'The immortal particle': Dark Matter’s lifetime may be 10 million universes long

Produced by: Manoj Kumar

Dark Puzzle

[{"selector":"#anim-f1b55847-dfbc-4b7b-8009-d280079bfbc2 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(34.244791571064674%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Despite being 27% of the universe, dark matter eludes direct detection, only seen through its gravitational pull. Representative pic

Elusive Shadows

[{"selector":"#anim-2c8fbbaf-8be9-4670-83ed-74df401ac5fa [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(69.81300747564724%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Invisible to light and unable to reflect or absorb it, dark matter hides in plain sight, influencing galaxies without leaving a trace. Representative pic

Galactic Clues

[{"selector":"#anim-31450331-7a4f-41e8-9248-4cb855528d16 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(63.98189477000291%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Researchers analyze how galaxies rotate and behave to track dark matter’s gravitational footprint, revealing hidden forces shaping cosmic structures. Representative pic

Infrared Hunt

[{"selector":"#anim-be64cc05-30c5-4f98-bd5d-40b87113f954 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-50.89869691407289%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Using cutting-edge infrared spectrographs on the Magellan Clay Telescope, scientists hunt dark matter traces in distant galaxies. Representative pic

Spectral Secrets

[{"selector":"#anim-14886ff6-f719-471f-a313-38d24fdb698a [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(20.596590730672162%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Infrared analysis of Leo V and Tucana II galaxies lets scientists separate dark matter signals from cosmic noise like zodiacal light, enhancing search precision. Representative pic

Hidden Signals

[{"selector":"#anim-4de639cf-fa9f-4c99-96c5-d79d41b70008 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(34.244791571064674%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Advanced detectors filter through atmospheric interference to isolate potential dark matter decay light, marking a leap in cosmic observation technology. Representative pic

Particle Limits

[{"selector":"#anim-7ffc716d-26b5-4a2b-a929-3a6a4c184130 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(3.552713678800501e-15%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Studying axionlike particles, researchers set new lifetime limits—over 10 million to 100 million times older than the universe—redefining dark matter boundaries. Representative pic

Cosmic Chase

[{"selector":"#anim-9b9e159d-0f27-4a73-9ed7-3f4db83aeda4 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(18.419498008190725%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Though direct detection failed, new lifetime estimates for dark matter particles narrow the search field and sharpen future experimental focus. Representative pic

Future Eyes

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