Scientists from the University of Sheffield have identified signs of a potential interaction between dark matter and neutrinos. The study may point to the existence of previously unknown processes beyond the standard cosmological model.
According to research published in the journal Nature Astronomy, dark matter and neutrinos might not be entirely independent components of the Universe, as previously assumed. Dark matter makes up about 85% of all matter, yet it has not been directly detected so far. Scientists infer its existence from its gravitational effects on galaxies and galaxy clusters.
The authors of the study examined data from various stages of the Universe’s evolution. They compared observations of the early cosmos obtained with the Atacama Cosmology Telescope and the Planck telescope with more recent data, including observations of dark energy and maps of galaxy distribution.
The scientists noticed a discrepancy between the predictions of the standard cosmological model and current observations. According to calculations based on early Universe data, cosmic structures should have become denser than what is observed today. A possible interaction between dark matter and neutrinos could account for this difference.
The researchers note that it is too early to draw definitive conclusions. Future observations using new telescopes, experiments with cosmic microwave background radiation, and studies of gravitational lensing will help test this hypothesis. If the link between dark matter and neutrinos is confirmed, it could represent a major breakthrough in understanding the nature of the Universe.
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