Scientists have discovered anomalous cosmic structures that explain the nature of dark matter

Scientists are searching the cosmos for particles that could shed light on the nature of dark matter, one of the main mysteries of the universe. This time their eyes are turned to rapidly rotating neutron stars-pulsars, write Science Alert.

A 2023 study found that pulsars can be a source of axions — hypothetical particles whose properties resemble dark matter. These particles, passing through the powerful magnetic fields of pulsars, should be converted into photons, which should increase the brightness of the stars.

However, a detailed analysis of pulsars did not reveal such additional light. This does not disprove the existence of axions, but indicates certain limitations of their signal. Scientists theorize that axions may form a "cloud" around pulsars that would create a faint, blurry signal—perhaps as a narrow line in the star's radio spectrum.

Although it has not yet been possible to confirm the existence of such an axon cloud, revolutionary research has already made it possible to establish tighter limits for the mass of the axons themselves, regardless of the hypothesis that they constitute dark matter. Scientists hope that the new direction of search can lead to a real breakthrough in solving the secrets of the universe.