Dark Matter Accretion Disk for Black Hole (Neutron Star)

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of dark matter particles being attracted by black holes or neutron stars and forming an accretion disk. However, due to their frictionless nature, it is unlikely that they would settle into a stable orbit. The question of whether an external observer would perceive this object as a black hole with increased mass is also raised, along with other questions about its properties. Thank you in advance for any answers.
  • #1
PSR1257II
4
0
Hello!

Dark Matter (if exists)(if it is in form of particles - collisionless) could also be attracted by Black Holes (or Neutron Stars) and form accretion disk. I would like to discuss possible properties of such hypothetical object.

DM particles could be trapped and settled in around innermost stable orbit*. But as they are frictionless - they cannot loose energy and traverse down to BH - therefore they should stay on such quasi-infinite orbit(s). On long time span BH can accumulate significant amount of DM, for example with mass ~0.1-1 of mass of BH itself.

For external observer such object would? (question) look like BH with mass of ~1.1-2 of mass of original BH and such characteristics as orbital period of "normal" matter (e,p...) on outer orbits (say, r>=r innermost, 4 rg - gravitational radius) would? (question) be the same as in case of BH with increased mass.

There is other questions like what about drag (if BH is spinning), would it be composition of drag from BH itself and drag caused by DM? What would be value of BH spin J inferred from observation of accretion disk and (independent) measure of mass of such object?

Thank in advance for possible answers.

* The feasibility of settling is probably not high as they are slow ("cold"), for instance escape velocity from Milky Way is ~500 km/sec that makes heavy (say, 1 GeV) particle to be just consumed by BH instead of settling on stable orbit.
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
  • #2
PSR1257II said:
Dark Matter ... could also be attracted by Black Holes (or Neutron Stars) and form accretion disk.
No, as I understand it, it could not. DM particles can't be captured into a accretion disk because as you point out, they are friction-less. DM particles either pass close enough to be captured or just keep going by.
 

1. What is dark matter accretion disk?

Dark matter accretion disk is a theoretical concept in astrophysics that proposes the existence of a disk of dark matter surrounding a black hole or a neutron star. This disk is thought to be made up of invisible particles that do not emit or interact with light, making it difficult to detect.

2. How does dark matter accretion disk form?

The formation of dark matter accretion disk is still a subject of debate among scientists. One theory suggests that it forms as a result of the gravitational pull of the black hole or neutron star, causing dark matter particles to accumulate around it. Another theory proposes that it is the remnants of a previous galaxy that was torn apart by the gravitational forces of the black hole or neutron star.

3. What is the role of dark matter accretion disk in the evolution of black holes and neutron stars?

The presence of a dark matter accretion disk can significantly affect the evolution of black holes and neutron stars. It can provide a source of fuel for these objects, allowing them to grow in mass and size. It can also influence the spin and movement of these objects, leading to the formation of powerful jets and other energetic phenomena.

4. Can dark matter accretion disk be observed?

Currently, there is no direct observation of a dark matter accretion disk. This is because dark matter does not interact with light, making it invisible to telescopes and other instruments that rely on light to detect objects in space. However, scientists are developing new techniques and technologies to indirectly detect the presence of dark matter accretion disk.

5. How does the study of dark matter accretion disk contribute to our understanding of the universe?

The study of dark matter accretion disk is crucial in our understanding of the structure and evolution of the universe. It can provide insights into the nature of dark matter, which is believed to make up a significant portion of the universe's mass. It can also help us understand the formation and behavior of black holes and neutron stars, which are key components of the universe's structure and play a crucial role in shaping galaxies and other celestial objects.

Similar threads

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
2
Replies
48
Views
1K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
11
Views
280
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
3
Replies
87
Views
4K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
12
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
5
Views
914
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
13
Views
2K
Back
Top