Get the latest Science News and Discoveries

They glow without fusion—hidden stars that may finally reveal dark matter

Some of the faintest, coldest stars in the universe may be powered not by fusion—but by the annihilation of dark matter deep within them. These “dark dwarfs” could exist in regions like the galactic center, where dark matter is thickest. Unlike typical stars, they glow without burning hydrogen, and their heat could come from invisible particles crashing into each other inside. If we spot one, especially without lithium (a chemical clue), it could point us straight to the true identity of dark matter.

None

Get the Android app