A groundbreaking study from the University of Toronto may reveal connections between the nature of elusive dark matter and the cosmic web's structure. This research proposes that the universe's uniform distribution of matter, known as the "clumpiness problem," could imply that dark matter consists of ultra-light, theoretical particles called axions.
Lead author Keir Rogers said that the discovery of axion dark matter could be one of this century's most significant breakthroughs. Their findings also hint at why the universe is less clumpy than anticipated, which has been an increasing observation over the past decade.
Dark matter, accounting for 85% of the universe's mass, doesn't interact with light, making it invisible. Scientists study its distribution by observing its gravitational effects on visible matter. Axions, described as "fuzzy" due to their wave-like behavior, can have wavelengths larger than entire galaxies. This fuzziness might explain the universe's unexpected lack of clumpiness.
The research team conducted computer simulations to predict the appearance of relic light and galaxy distribution in a universe with long dark matter waves. These calculations aligned with existing data, suggesting that fuzzy axions could account for the clumpiness problem.
Future research will aim to compare their theory to direct observations of dark matter and investigate how galaxies expel gas into space, affecting dark matter distribution. Understanding dark matter is key to grasping the universe's origin and future.