A mysterious glow at the center of our galaxy has puzzled astronomers for over a decade. Recent research offers an explanation that could reshape what we know about dark matter, a substance making up most of the universe’s mass. According to new simulations, dark matter near the galactic center is “flattened,” not round as previously thought.
The flattened shape was found by researchers using advanced computer simulations. They discovered that past mergers and gravitational interactions can distort the distribution of dark matter, flattening it into an oval or box-like shape. This revised picture means that the pattern of gamma-rays expected from dark matter annihilation could naturally look very similar to what astronomers observe.
The discovery strengthens the case for dark matter as the origin of a mysterious high-energy glow, but more research is needed to rule out other theories. To distinguish between dark matter and pulsars, astronomers need sharper observations. New telescopes with higher resolution are being built, which could help settle this question.
Source: https://www.livescience.com/physics-mathematics/dark-matter/mysterious-glow-at-the-milky-ways-center-could-reshape-a-major-cosmic-theory