Shrouded axions may surround neutron stars
by Robert Schreiber
Berlin, Germany (SPX) Oct 21, 2024

Physicists from the universities of Amsterdam, Princeton, and Oxford have uncovered evidence that extremely light particles, known as axions, may form large clouds around neutron stars. These particles could help explain dark matter, one of the greatest mysteries in physics, and might even be detectable with current technology.

The new research, published in 'Physical Review X', builds on previous studies of axions and neutron stars. The researchers have now turned their attention to axions that remain trapped by the star's gravity, forming hazy clouds around neutron stars. These axion clouds, if confirmed, may be visible through telescopes, offering astronomers a new way to explore dark matter.

Axions were first theorized in the 1970s to resolve issues related to the neutron, and today, they are a leading candidate in the search for dark matter. While axions have yet to be detected, physicists believe they could account for much of the dark matter in the universe. This dark matter, which constitutes about 85% of the universe's matter, interacts only weakly with visible matter, making it extremely difficult to observe directly.

Neutron stars offer an ideal environment for studying axions, as their intense gravitational and electromagnetic fields might allow for axion clouds to form and produce observable signals. The team's research indicates that if axions exist, they should form dense clouds around neutron stars, potentially emitting continuous light or a one-time burst at the end of the star's life.

Although no axion clouds have been observed so far, the researchers believe that this study provides clear guidance on what to look for in future observations. Further theoretical work and numerical modeling will help refine these predictions, and the study also opens up new possibilities for exploring the behavior of axion clouds in binary systems involving neutron stars or black holes.

As one of the authors of the paper works on follow-up research into how axion clouds could affect neutron star dynamics, this marks an important step in a broader, interdisciplinary effort to understand axions and their potential role in the universe.

Research Report:Axion Clouds around Neutron Stars

Related Links
Universiteit van Amsterdam
Stellar Chemistry, The Universe And All Within It