Dark matter remains one of the universe's most enigmatic components, constituting approximately 80% of the total matter in the galaxy. Although we cannot directly observe it, scientists can infer its presence through its gravitational influence on stars and galaxies. Recent research from the University of York suggests that the d-star hexaquark may help illuminate the nature of this elusive substance.

In the early 1930s, astronomer Fritz Zwicky first identified dark matter between galaxies, followed by Vera Rubin's discovery within galaxies in the 1970s. We now know that this mysterious entity has a mass four times greater than all visible matter in the universe combined. Despite extensive investigation, the true nature of dark matter remains elusive.

Researchers from the University of York propose that the d-star hexaquark, a subatomic particle, may offer insights into dark matter’s fundamental nature. Daniel Watts of the university stated, “The origin of dark matter in the universe is one of science's most pressing questions. Our initial calculations suggest that d-star condensates could be a viable candidate for dark matter, and this finding is particularly thrilling as it does not involve any novel physics concepts.”

Dark matter is termed "dark" because it neither reflects, absorbs, nor emits light. Nonetheless, it exerts considerable gravitational effects, maintaining the integrity of galaxies and keeping galaxy clusters intact despite their high relative velocities.

Various theories have been proposed to explain how dark matter can exert gravitational influence without interacting with electromagnetic radiation. One hypothesis suggests it consists of massive compact halo objects (MACHOs) made up of normal matter like planets and gas. Another theory posits that it comprises weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs), which interact very little with other matter, except through gravity.

However, current evidence does not support the existence of enough MACHOs, nor has any particle been identified to account for dark matter as WIMPs. Similarly, the concept of primordial black holes created in the early universe has not yielded sufficient evidence to explain dark matter's gravitational presence.

Atoms, the building blocks of matter, consist of protons and neutrons in a dense nucleus, surrounded by negatively charged electrons. Each proton and neutron is composed of three quarks. If d-star hexaquarks exist, they would be made up of six quarks, classifying them as bosons, a group of particles that includes photons. This unique composition allows for the possibility that these particles can cluster in ways that protons and neutrons cannot, potentially shedding light on dark matter.

The research team hypothesizes that in the early universe, substantial amounts of d-star hexaquarks could have merged to form a fifth state of matter known as the Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC).

In their published findings in the Journal of Physics G: Nuclear and Particle Physics, researchers noted that stable Bose-Einstein condensates might have formed in the primordial universe at a production rate sufficient to be a credible candidate for dark matter.

BECs are formed when groups of atoms are cooled to near absolute zero, causing them to behave as a single atom, governed by the principles of quantum mechanics. This state was first theorized by Indian physicist Satyendra Nath Bose, who collaborated with Albert Einstein to develop the concept.

To create BECs in laboratory settings, scientists typically start with a gas of rubidium atoms, using lasers to remove energy, followed by evaporative cooling to achieve the desired state without forming a solid lattice.

BECs consist of indistinguishable atoms, similar to photons of light, and follow Bose-Einstein statistics. The first successful creation of this state in a lab earned the 1991 Nobel Prize in Physics.

Researchers are now exploring how d-star hexaquarks might interact, aiming to determine their attraction and repulsion tendencies. Mikhail Bashkanov from the University of York remarked, “The next step is to investigate how these d-stars behave within an atomic nucleus compared to when they are isolated in space.”

While dark matter itself is undetectable, astronomers can look for the by-products of BEC. When high-energy cosmic rays collide with these condensates, they may produce detectable decay products. Some of these interactions could even be traced back to the conditions of the early universe, possibly manifesting in Earth's atmosphere today.

The researchers noted that “the detection of d-star hexaquark-BEC decays in the Earth’s atmosphere could create energies similar to cosmic-ray events, albeit lacking directionality.” This could provide a unique avenue for understanding dark matter.

The potential role of d-star hexaquarks in solving the dark matter conundrum hinges on further research into their properties. By seeking evidence of these particles, scientists may unlock some of the universe's greatest mysteries.

James Maynard, the founder and publisher of The Cosmic Companion, is a New England native residing in Tucson with his wife, Nicole, and their cat, Max.

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