Galactic Center Phenomenon Points to Potential New Form of Dark Matter

Researchers suggest low-mass dark matter particles may explain unusual hydrogen ionization and gamma-ray signals in the Milky Way's core.

Scientists have observed unexplained ionization of hydrogen gas in the Milky Way's Central Molecular Zone (CMZ), challenging existing theories involving cosmic rays.
A new study proposes that low-mass dark matter particles interacting and annihilating could be the source of this ionization and related energy signatures.
The findings also offer a potential explanation for the mysterious 511-keV gamma-ray emission detected at the galaxy's center, linked to electron-positron pair production.
Unlike traditional dark matter candidates like WIMPs, these hypothesized particles are much lighter and may only reveal their effects in high-density regions like the CMZ.
Future observations, including detailed ionization maps and upcoming telescopes like NASA's COSI, could provide further evidence to test this hypothesis.