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New Theory Explains Unusual Properties of Milky Way's Crater 2 Galaxy

Astrophysicists propose self-interacting dark matter as the key to understanding Crater 2's unique characteristics and origin.

Image
Positions of Crater II and other Milky Way satellites with heliocentric distances between 100,000 and 400,000 parsecs. Image credit: Torrealba et al., doi: 10.1093/mnras/stw733.

Overview

  • Crater 2, a satellite galaxy of the Milky Way, is located 380,000 light years from Earth.
  • The galaxy's low density and large size challenge prevailing cold dark matter (CDM) theories.
  • Researchers suggest self-interacting dark matter (SIDM) better explains Crater 2's properties.
  • SIDM involves dark matter particles that interact and collide, creating a shallow density core.
  • This theory aligns with Crater 2's observed orbit and low-density dark matter halo.