To discover dark matter, scientists will need only 10 seconds, as well as a nearby supernova and a train of fortune

Scientists claim that we are only seconds away from the discovery of dark matter. The catch is that it can be detected under strictly specified conditions and only with the help of one instrument – the Fermi gamma-ray telescope. The place and time, where and when it is necessary to send this instrument, remain unknown. It’s like playing a lottery with a 1 in 10 chance of winning. But you can “cheat” and achieve the desired result.

Remnants of the last nearby supernova, which exploded in February 1987. Image source: NASA

Scientists suggest looking for axions – hypothetical particles proposed back in the 70s of the last century to eliminate a number of contradictions in the physics of elementary particles. Later it turned out that axions are suitable for the role of dark matter. They have no charge and have extremely low mass – billions of times lighter than electrons. One of the predicted properties of axions is their decay in a strong magnetic field with the emission of photons. It is for this reason that they are trying to look for axions in laboratory conditions. However, such energies as in space cannot be created in a laboratory. Therefore, scientists hope to detect axions in the natural conditions of the Universe.

Neutron stars are considered promising sources of axions. Particles can be born in the incredibly powerful gravitational field of these objects, and the strong magnetic field of stars creates a suitable environment for the decay of axions. In one of the previous works, astronomers proposed looking for a weak additional glow from neutron stars as a sign of a cloud of axions surrounding these objects.

In a new paper, scientists from the University of California, Berkeley, say that the best time to detect axions is during the explosion of the closest supernova to Earth. There is no need to wait until a supermassive star collapses to a neutron state at the end of its life. Calculations show that in the first 10 seconds of the explosion many axions will be ejected. This will solve the problem of dark matter and solve a number of other mysteries of cosmology. Today, such an event and particles can be captured by the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope. The main problem is that it must be aimed at the supernova at the moment of its birth, and the chances of this are slim.

Scheme of the proposed experiment to search for axions

Supernovae close to Earth appear infrequently—about once every 50 years. One such outbreak occurred in 1987. The next supernova could occur at any moment. The issue with dark matter and axions can be solved quickly and forever, but only if you prepare in advance. Scientists believe that for this it is worth launching a fleet of small gamma-ray telescopes into space, which will provide 100% coverage of the sky. Then the very first nearby supernova will provide reliable data on the existence of axions and their mass (energy).

We can spend decades solving the mystery of dark matter, or we can find the solution in 10 seconds. Even a negative result would be useful, placing limits on the mass of hypothetical particles and significantly pushing physics forward.