The search for dark matter could conclude as early as tomorrow with a cosmic explosion and a bit of luck.

The search for dark matter could conclude as soon as tomorrow if a massive star explodes as a supernova relatively close to Earth, and scientists are fortunate enough to gather the necessary data in a very short time. Dark matter makes up 85% of all matter in the universe and is believed to consist of light particles known as axions. The authors of a new study published in the journal Physical Review Letters suggest that axions could be detected within seconds of the gamma radiation emitted from a supernova explosion, as reported by Phys.

Currently, the leading candidate for dark matter is extremely light particles called axions. At the same time, astrophysicists believe that dark matter may consist of a specific type of these particles known as QCD axions. They are named after quantum chromodynamics, a theory that best describes one of the fundamental forces of the universe—the strong interaction. Theoretically, QCD axions interact with ordinary matter through forces such as gravity, electromagnetism, and the strong interaction.

It is thought that a QCD axion transforms into an electromagnetic wave or photon in a strong magnetic field, essentially becoming radiation. The strongest magnetic fields in the universe are found in neutron stars, which are remnants of massive ordinary stars that have exploded as supernovae.

Astrophysicists' models indicate that if axions exist, they are produced in large quantities during the first 10 seconds of a massive star's transition to a neutron star. Axions convert into gamma radiation in the star's strong magnetic field.

Scientists believe that if this gamma radiation, which arises after a supernova explosion, can be detected, it may be possible to find not only the axions themselves but also determine their precise mass. This would effectively conclude the search for dark matter.

However, the challenge is that the supernova explosion must occur within the Milky Way or one of the satellite galaxies of our galaxy. In this case, the gamma radiation would be bright enough to be captured by a space gamma telescope.

Such supernovae occur on average only once every few decades. Therefore, scientists are concerned that when the anticipated supernova explodes, the necessary telescope to detect the gamma radiation of dark matter particles may not yet be operational. A supernova could explode tomorrow, and if it cannot be studied thoroughly, the next opportunity may not arise for another 50 years.

Nonetheless, scientists believe that the existing Fermi space gamma telescope, although it has a small chance, still holds potential for the detection of dark matter particles.