Dark Matter May Transform Failed Stars into 'Dark Dwarfs', Study Suggests
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A new theoretical study proposes that dark matter, the elusive substance that makes up about 27% of the universe, could convert 'failed stars' known as brown dwarfs into exotic objects dubbed 'dark dwarfs'. Brown dwarfs, which are too massive to be planets but not massive enough to sustain nuclear fusion like stars, might accumulate dark matter particles over time. If these particles annihilate or decay within the brown dwarf, they could provide an external heat source, potentially altering the object's evolution and properties. This process could result in 'dark dwarfs'—cold, faint objects that emit minimal light, making them nearly invisible to traditional telescopes. The research, led by physicists exploring the interplay between dark matter and astrophysical bodies, opens new avenues for detecting dark matter indirectly. While the existence of dark dwarfs remains hypothetical, their discovery could offer profound insights into the nature of dark matter and its influence on cosmic structures. Future observations using advanced instruments may help identify these enigmatic objects lurking in the cosmos.
