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Dark Matter Annihilation May Be Heating Up Neutron Stars

Neutron stars, the remnants of massive stars that have gone supernova, have always been objects of fascination for astronomers. Their extreme density and powerful gravitational fields make them ideal candidates for studying the effects of dark matter interactions. A recent study published in the Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics investigates the potential heating of neutron stars from dark matter annihilation.

The debate over whether dark matter particles interact with each other has been a long-standing mystery in the field of astrophysics. While some models suggest that dark matter only interacts gravitationally, others propose that dark matter particles can collide, clump together, and even decay into visible particles. If dark matter does interact with itself, objects with strong gravitational fields like neutron stars could capture and concentrate dark matter, affecting their properties.

The study focused on how much dark matter a neutron star could capture and how the decay of interacting dark matter particles would influence its temperature. The researchers considered various dark matter models and their interactions with baryons (protons and neutrons). They found that neutron stars can indeed capture dark matter, and as dark matter particles collide and annihilate within the neutron star, they release heat energy, potentially heating up the star.

The rate at which dark matter thermalization occurs depends on the strength of particle interactions. The team discovered that neutron stars can reach thermal equilibrium fairly quickly, with some models achieving equilibrium within just a year. This rapid process suggests that dark matter could play a significant role in the evolution of neutron stars.

If this model is correct, astronomers may be able to detect the presence of dark matter by observing neutron stars that are warmer than expected. Different dark matter models could also be distinguished based on the overall spectrum of neutron stars. The study opens up new possibilities for understanding the nature of dark matter and its interactions with celestial objects.

Overall, the research provides valuable insights into the potential effects of dark matter annihilation on neutron stars, shedding light on a topic that has long puzzled scientists in the field of astrophysics.

Reference: Bell, Nicole F., et al. “Thermalization and annihilation of dark matter in neutron stars.” Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics 2024.04 (2024): 006.

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University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Protesters reach an agreement to dismantle encampment

Protesters at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee have agreed to end their pro-Palestinian encampment following an agreement reached with the school, university officials announced on Sunday. The encampment, which had been in place for two weeks, will be dismantled by Tuesday, marking the end of what was believed to be the last standing encampment at a Wisconsin college.

University officials had allowed the encampment to remain on a patch of lawn between Mitchell Hall and a busy thoroughfare on the campus’s southern boundary, opting not to involve law enforcement. This approach differed from the response at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where police were called in to remove tents after negotiations fell through. Despite initial efforts to disband the encampment, Wisconsin-Madison eventually reached an agreement with protesters to voluntarily dismantle the camp prior to commencement ceremonies.

Chancellor Mark Mone of Wisconsin-Milwaukee stated last Wednesday that the university had exhibited “the widest possible amount of patience and restraint.” However, he also cautioned that patience was wearing thin and hinted at potential action by the school. Following discussions with the UWM Popular University for Palestine Coalition, the university agreed to advocate for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, condemn the destruction of schools and universities in Gaza by Israeli forces, and hold meetings with protest leaders regarding university investments.

Additionally, the university pledged to urge the Water Council, a Milwaukee organization of water technology companies, to sever connections with two Israeli government-owned entities, Mekorot and the Israel Innovation Authority. Chancellor Mone serves as the treasurer on the Water Council’s board of directors.

In return for these commitments, the protesters agreed to dismantle the encampment beginning on Sunday and completing the process by Tuesday. They also agreed not to disrupt the university’s commencement ceremonies scheduled for Sunday. In a statement, the protesters expressed their satisfaction with the agreement, stating, “After hard fought edits and careful consideration by the coalition, we determined we had obtained all possible benefits from the encampment.”

The resolution of the encampment at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee represents a successful outcome of negotiations between university officials and protesters. By reaching a compromise that addresses the concerns of both parties, a peaceful resolution has been achieved, allowing for the encampment to be taken down without incident.

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