Anomalous Ionization in the Central Molecular Zone by Sub-GeV Dark Matter

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the research published in "Phys. Rev. Lett. 134, 101001" regarding anomalous ionization in the Central Molecular Zone, attributed to MeV dark matter annihilations into 𝑒+⁢𝑒− pairs. The study indicates that galactic dark matter profiles with slopes greater than 1 lead to low annihilation cross sections, which evade cosmological constraints and result in no detectable emissions in radio, x-, or 𝛾 rays. Furthermore, the findings suggest a potential link between this ionization and the unexplained 511 keV line emission in the Galactic Center, indicating a shared origin for these phenomena.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of dark matter physics and its implications.
  • Familiarity with particle physics concepts, specifically annihilation processes.
  • Knowledge of galactic structure and dark matter profiles.
  • Basic comprehension of ionization mechanisms in astrophysics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of MeV dark matter on cosmic structures.
  • Explore the relationship between dark matter annihilation and cosmic ray emissions.
  • Investigate the 511 keV line emission and its potential sources.
  • Study the methodologies used in measuring ionization rates in astrophysical contexts.
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, astrophysicists, and researchers focused on dark matter studies, cosmic ray physics, and galactic ionization processes will benefit from this discussion.

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TL;DR
MeV dark matter annihilations into 𝑒+⁢𝑒− pairs
https://journals.aps.org/prl/

Open Access

Anomalous Ionization in the Central Molecular Zone by Sub-GeV Dark Matter

Pedro De la Torre Luque1,2,3,*, Shyam Balaji4,†, and Joseph Silk5,6,7,‡

Phys. Rev. Lett. 134, 101001 – Published 10 March, 2025

Abstract​

We demonstrate that the anomalous ionization rate observed in the Central Molecular Zone can be attributed to MeV dark matter annihilations into 𝑒+⁢𝑒− pairs for galactic dark matter profiles with slopes 𝛾 >1. The low annihilation cross sections required avoid cosmological constraints and imply no detectable inverse Compton, bremsstrahlung, or synchrotron emission in radio, x- and 𝛾 rays. The possible connection with the source of the unexplained 511 keV line emission in the Galactic Center suggests that both observations could be correlated and have a common origin
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.134.101001.

We Already Have Evidence Of Dark Matter, Researchers Say


MeV dark matter annihilations into 𝑒+⁢𝑒− pairs
i can think of a MeV particle that decay into 𝑒+⁢𝑒− pairs
 
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