Mysterious Glow at Milky Way’s Core May Upend Long‑Standing Cosmic Theory
New computer simulations suggest that dark matter surrounding the Milky Way’s central region is not the spherical halo long assumed by astronomers, but rather a flattened structure that aligns with the galaxy’s disk. The revised model could explain a persistent high‑energy glow observed near the galactic center, a phenomenon that has puzzled researchers for decades.
The study, conducted by an international team of astrophysicists, employed high‑resolution N‑body simulations to trace the gravitational interactions of dark matter particles over billions of years. Results indicate that the dense core of dark matter has been reshaped by the Milky Way’s rotating bar and spiral arms, leading to an oblate distribution that concentrates more mass along the galactic plane. This geometry would naturally focus energetic particles toward the center, producing the diffuse gamma‑ray emission detected by space‑based observatories.
Scientists note that the glow, first identified in data from the Fermi Gamma‑Ray Space Telescope, has been variously attributed to dark matter annihilation, past activity of the supermassive black hole, or stellar processes. The flattened dark‑matter model offers a unifying explanation that does not require exotic particle physics. “If the dark‑matter halo is indeed disk‑like, it changes the way we calculate expected radiation signatures,” said a senior researcher involved in the work. The team cautioned, however, that the simulations remain idealized and that additional observational evidence is needed.
Experts not involved in the research highlighted the broader implications for cosmology. A non‑spherical dark‑matter distribution could affect estimates of the Milky Way’s total mass, alter predictions for satellite galaxy motions, and influence the interpretation of gravitational‑lens measurements in other galaxies. “These findings remind us that the structure of dark matter is still an open question,” remarked a spokesperson for a major astronomical institute.
Future missions, such as the upcoming gamma‑ray observatory and next‑generation infrared surveys, are expected to provide higher‑resolution maps of the galactic center. Researchers anticipate that comparing these observations with refined simulations will either substantiate the flattened‑halo hypothesis or prompt further revisions to our understanding of dark matter’s role in shaping the cosmos.
