Far-off galaxies emit X-ray signals characteristic of dark matter

NASA scientists have detected unidentified particles emitting from a galaxy 250 million light-years away. The particles were received as X-ray signals which demonstrate theorized behaviors of dark matter- a substance which comprises 85 percent of all matter in the entire universe.

The signals were confirmed by both NASA’s Chandra X-ray observatory and the European Space Agency’s XMM-Newton instrument.

Scientists believe that the X-rays might contain part of dark matter’s hypothesized composition: a type of decayed X-ray particle, called a sterile neutrino. A theorized type of neutrino, sterile neutrinos are possible dark matter components which emit X-rays when they decay. However, scientists have yet to confirm whether the X-rays detected from this group of galaxies demonstrates the projected behaviors of dark matter.

“Our next step is to combine data from Chandra and JAXA’s [the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency's] Suzaku mission for a large number of galaxy clusters to see if we find the same X-ray signal,” said Adam Foster, an author of the study.

Dark matter does not emit or absorb light, making it difficult for astronomers to detect beyond observing its gravitational effects. The possibility of finding sterile neutrinos has excited scientists.

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