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19 pages, 2223 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mysterious Anomalies in Earth’s Atmosphere and Strongly Interacting Dark Matter

by Ariel Zhitnitsky and Marios Maroudas

Symmetry 2025, 17(1), 79; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym17010079 - 6 Jan 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 898

Abstract

It has been recently argued that numerous enigmatic observations remain challenging to explain within the framework of conventional physics. These anomalies include unexpected correlations between temperature variations in the stratosphere, the total electron content of the Earth’s atmosphere, and earthquake activity on one [...] Read more.

It has been recently argued that numerous enigmatic observations remain challenging to explain within the framework of conventional physics. These anomalies include unexpected correlations between temperature variations in the stratosphere, the total electron content of the Earth’s atmosphere, and earthquake activity on one hand and the positions of planets on the other. Decades of collected data provide statistically significant evidence for these observed correlations. These works suggest that these correlations arise from strongly interacting “streaming invisible matter” which gets gravitationally focused by the solar system bodies including the Earth’s inner mass distribution. Here, we propose that some of these, as well as other anomalies, may be explained by rare yet energetic events involving the so-called axion quark nuggets (AQNs) impacting the Earth. In other words, we identify the “streaming invisible matter” conjectured in that works with AQNs, offering a concrete microscopic mechanism to elucidate the observed correlations. It is important to note that the AQN model was originally developed to address the observed similarity between the dark matter and visible matter densities in the Universe, i.e.,

Ω_{DM} \sim Ω_{visible}

, and not to explain the anomalies discussed here. Nonetheless, we support our proposal by demonstrating that the intensity and spectral characteristics of AQN-induced events are consistent with the aforementioned puzzling observations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Dark Universe: The Harbinger of a Major Discovery)

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11 pages, 601 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A New Possible Way to Detect Axion Antiquark Nuggets

by Ionel Lazanu and Mihaela Parvu

Symmetry 2024, 16(7), 869; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym16070869 - 9 Jul 2024

Viewed by 948

Abstract

The axion anti-quark nugget (A

\bar{Q}

N) model was developed to explain in a natural way the asymmetry between matter and antimatter in Universe. In this hypothesis, a similitude between the dark and the visible components exists. The lack of observability of [...] Read more.

The axion anti-quark nugget (A

\bar{Q}

N) model was developed to explain in a natural way the asymmetry between matter and antimatter in Universe. In this hypothesis, a similitude between the dark and the visible components exists. The lack of observability of any type of dark matter up to now, in particular A

\bar{Q}

Ns, requires finding new ways of detecting these particles, if they exist. In spite of strong interaction with visible matter, for such objects a very small ratio of cross section to mass is expected and thus huge detector systems are necessary. This paper presents a new idea for the direct detection of the A

\bar{Q}

Ns using minerals as natural rock deposits acting as paleo-detectors, where the latent signals of luminescence produced by interactions of A

\bar{Q}

Ns are registered and can be identified as an increased and symmetrical deposited dose. The estimates were made for minerals widely distributed on Earth, for which the thermoluminescence (TL) signal is intense and if the thermal conditions are constant and with low temperatures, the lifetime of the latent signals is kept for geological time scales. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Dark Universe: The Harbinger of a Major Discovery)

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14 pages, 916 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

A Forecast of the Sensitivity of the DALI Experiment to Galactic Axion Dark Matter

by Juan F. Hernández-Cabrera, Javier De Miguel, Enrique Joven Álvarez, E. Hernández-Suárez, J. Alberto Rubiño-Martín and Chiko Otani

Symmetry 2024, 16(2), 163; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym16020163 - 30 Jan 2024

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1347

Abstract

The axion is a long-postulated boson that can simultaneously solve two fundamental problems of modern physics: the charge–parity symmetry problem in the strong interaction and the enigma of dark matter. In this work, we estimate, by means of Monte Carlo simulations, the sensitivity [...] Read more.

The axion is a long-postulated boson that can simultaneously solve two fundamental problems of modern physics: the charge–parity symmetry problem in the strong interaction and the enigma of dark matter. In this work, we estimate, by means of Monte Carlo simulations, the sensitivity of the Dark-photons & Axion-Like particles Interferometer (DALI), a new-generation Fabry–Pérot haloscope proposed to probe axion dark matter in the 25–250

μ

eV band. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Dark Universe: The Harbinger of a Major Discovery)

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29 pages, 1344 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Numerical Modeling of the Interaction of Dark Atoms with Nuclei to Solve the Problem of Direct Dark Matter Search

by Timur Bikbaev, Maxim Khlopov and Andrey Mayorov

Symmetry 2023, 15(12), 2182; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym15122182 - 11 Dec 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1386

Abstract

The puzzle of the direct dark matter search can be resolved by examining the concept of «dark atoms», which consist of hypothetical stable lepton-like particles with a charge of

- 2 n

, where n is any natural number, bound to n nuclei [...] Read more.

The puzzle of the direct dark matter search can be resolved by examining the concept of «dark atoms», which consist of hypothetical stable lepton-like particles with a charge of

- 2 n

, where n is any natural number, bound to n nuclei of primordial helium. These «dark atoms», known as «XHe» (X-helium) atoms, remain undiscovered in experiments due to their neutral atom-like states. In this model, the positive results of the

D A M A / N a I

and

D A M A / L I B R A

experiments could be explained by the annual modulation of radiative capture of XHe atoms engaging in low-energy bound states with sodium nuclei. This specific phenomenon does not occur under the conditions of other underground experiments. The proposed solution to this puzzle involves establishing the existence of a low-energy bound state of «dark atoms» and nuclei while also considering the self-consistent influence of nuclear attraction and Coulomb repulsion. Resolving this complex issue, which has remained unsolved for the past 17 years, necessitates a systematic approach. To tackle this problem, numerical modeling is employed to uncover the fundamental processes behind the interaction of «dark atoms» with nuclei. To comprehend the essence of XHe’s interaction with baryonic matter nuclei, a classical model is employed wherein quantum physics and nuclear size effects are progressively incorporated. A numerical model describing the interaction between XHe «dark atoms» and nuclei is developed through the continuous inclusion of realistic features of quantum mechanics in the initial classical three-body problem involving the X-particle, the helium nucleus, and the target nucleus. This approach yields a comprehensive numerical model that encompasses nuclear attraction and electromagnetic interaction between the «dark atom» and nuclei. Finally, this model aids in supporting the interpretation of the results obtained from direct underground dark matter experiments through the lens of the «dark atom» hypothesis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Dark Universe: The Harbinger of a Major Discovery)

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16 pages, 2722 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparing Instrument Spectral Sensitivity of Dissimilar Electromagnetic Haloscopes to Axion Dark Matter and High Frequency Gravitational Waves

by Michael E. Tobar, Catriona A. Thomson, William M. Campbell, Aaron Quiskamp, Jeremy F. Bourhill, Benjamin T. McAllister, Eugene N. Ivanov and Maxim Goryachev

Symmetry 2022, 14(10), 2165; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym14102165 - 16 Oct 2022

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 2617

Abstract

It is known that haloscopes that search for dark matter axions via the axion-photon anomaly are also sensitive to gravitational radiation through the inverse Gertsenshtein effect. Recently this way of searching for high frequency gravitational waves has gained momentum as it has been [...] Read more.

It is known that haloscopes that search for dark matter axions via the axion-photon anomaly are also sensitive to gravitational radiation through the inverse Gertsenshtein effect. Recently this way of searching for high frequency gravitational waves has gained momentum as it has been shown that the strain sensitivity of such detectors, are of the same order of sensitivity to the axion-photon theta angle. Thus, after calculating the sensitivity of a haloscope to an axion signal, we also have calculated the order of magnitude sensitivity to a gravitational wave signal of the same spectral and temporal form. However, it is unlikely that a gravitational wave and an axion signal will be of the same form, since physically the way the signals are generated are completely different. For gravitational wave detection, the spectral strain sensitivity is in units strain per square root Hz, is the natural way to compare the sensitivity of gravitational wave detectors due to its independence on the gravitational wave signal. In this work, we introduce a systematic way to calculate the spectral sensitivity of an axion haloscope, so instrument comparison may be achieved independent of signal assumptions and only depends on the axion to signal transduction sensitivity and noise in the instrument. Thus, the calculation of the spectral sensitivity not only allows the comparison of dissimilar axion detectors independent of signal, but also allows us to compare the order of magnitude gravitational wave sensitivity in terms of spectral strain sensitivity, allowing comparisons to standard gravitational wave detectors based on optical interferometers and resonant-mass technology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Dark Universe: The Harbinger of a Major Discovery)

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23 pages, 1034 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Infrasonic, Acoustic and Seismic Waves Produced by the Axion Quark Nuggets

by Dmitry Budker, Victor V. Flambaum and Ariel Zhitnitsky

Symmetry 2022, 14(3), 459; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym14030459 - 24 Feb 2022

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 2804

Abstract

We advocate the idea that Axion Quark Nuggets (AQN) hitting the Earth can be detected by analysing the infrasound, acoustic, and seismic waves which always accompany their passage in the atmosphere and underground. Our estimates for the infrasonic frequency

ν ≃ 5

Hz [...] Read more.

We advocate the idea that Axion Quark Nuggets (AQN) hitting the Earth can be detected by analysing the infrasound, acoustic, and seismic waves which always accompany their passage in the atmosphere and underground. Our estimates for the infrasonic frequency

ν ≃ 5

Hz and overpressure

δ p \sim 0.3

Pa for relatively large size dark matter (DM) nuggets suggest that sensitivity of presently available instruments is already sufficient to detect very intense (but very rare) events today with existing technology. A study of much more frequent but less intense events requires a new type of instrument. We propose a detection strategy for a systematic study to search for such relatively weak and frequent events by using distributed acoustic sensing and briefly mention other possible detection methods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Dark Universe: The Harbinger of a Major Discovery)

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13 pages, 2488 KiB

Open AccessArticle

On the Origin of the Rhythmic Sun’s Radius Variation

by Konstantin Zioutas, Marios Maroudas and Alexander Kosovichev

Symmetry 2022, 14(2), 325; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym14020325 - 5 Feb 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2533

Abstract

Based on helioseismological measurements (1996–2017), the entire Sun shrinks during solar maximum and regrows during the next solar minimum by about a few km (~10⁻⁵ effect). Here, we observe, for the first time, that the solar radius variation resembles a 225-day relationship [...] Read more.

Based on helioseismological measurements (1996–2017), the entire Sun shrinks during solar maximum and regrows during the next solar minimum by about a few km (~10⁻⁵ effect). Here, we observe, for the first time, that the solar radius variation resembles a 225-day relationship that coincides with Venus’ orbital period. We show that a remote link between planet Venus and Sun’s size must be at work. However, within known realms of physics, this is unexpected. Therefore, we can only speculate about its cause. Notably, the driving idea behind this investigation was some generic as-yet-invisible matter from the dark Universe. In fact, the 11-year solar cycle shows planetary relationships for a number of other observables as well. It has been proposed that the cause must be due to some generic streaming invisible massive matter (IMM). As when a low-speed stream is aligned toward the Sun with an intervening planet, the IMM influx increases temporally due to planetary gravitational focusing, assisted eventually with the free fall of incident slow IMM. A case-specific simulation for Venus’ impact supports the tentative scenario based on this investigation’s driving idea. Importantly, Saturn, combined with the innermost planets Mercury or Venus, unambiguously confirms an underlying planetary correlation with the Sun’s size. The impact of the suspected IMM accumulates with time, slowly triggering the underlying process(es); the associated energy change is massive even though it extends from months to several years. This study shows that the Sun’s size response is as short as half the orbital period of Mercury (44 days) or Venus (112 days). Then, the solar system is the target and the antenna of still unidentified external impact, assuming tentatively from the dark sector. If the generic IMM also has some preferential incidence direction, future long-lasting observations of the Sun’s shape might provide an asymmetry that could be utilized to identify the not isotropic influx of the assumed IMM. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Dark Universe: The Harbinger of a Major Discovery)

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13 pages, 2677 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Echo Method for Axion Dark Matter Detection

by Ariel Arza and Elisa Todarello

Symmetry 2021, 13(11), 2150; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym13112150 - 10 Nov 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1811

Abstract

The axion is a dark matter candidate arising from the spontaneous breaking of the Peccei–Quinn symmetry, introduced to solve the strong CP problem. It has been shown that radio/microwave radiation sent out to space is backscattered in the presence of axion dark matter [...] Read more.

The axion is a dark matter candidate arising from the spontaneous breaking of the Peccei–Quinn symmetry, introduced to solve the strong CP problem. It has been shown that radio/microwave radiation sent out to space is backscattered in the presence of axion dark matter due to stimulated axion decay. This backscattering is a feeble and narrow echo signal centered at an angular frequency very close to one-half of the axion mass. In this article, we summarize all the relevant results found so far, including analytical formulas for the echo signal, as well as sensitivity prospects for possible near-future experiments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Dark Universe: The Harbinger of a Major Discovery)

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Review

Jump to: Research

22 pages, 1205 KiB

Open AccessReview

Primordial Black Hole Messenger of Dark Universe

by Maxim Khlopov

Symmetry 2024, 16(11), 1487; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym16111487 - 7 Nov 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1796

Abstract

Primordial black holes (PBH), if survive to the present time, can be a fraction, or even the dominant form of dark matter of the Universe. If PBH evaporate before the present time, rare forms of dark matter like superweakly interacting or supermassive particles [...] Read more.

Primordial black holes (PBH), if survive to the present time, can be a fraction, or even the dominant form of dark matter of the Universe. If PBH evaporate before the present time, rare forms of dark matter like superweakly interacting or supermassive particles can be produced in the course of their evaporation. Stable remnants of PBH evaporation can also play the role of dark matter candidates. In the context of the modern standard cosmology, based on inflationary models with baryosynthesis and dark matter, which find their physical grounds beyond the Standard models of elementary particles (BSM), primordial black holes acquire the important role of sensitive probes for BSM models and their parameters. It makes PBHs a profound messenger of physics of Dark Universe. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Dark Universe: The Harbinger of a Major Discovery)

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12 pages, 806 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Neutron Lifetime Discrepancy and Its Implications for Cosmology and Dark Matter

by Fred E. Wietfeldt

Symmetry 2024, 16(8), 956; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym16080956 - 26 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1773

Abstract

Free neutron decay is the prototype for nuclear beta decay and other semileptonic weak particle decays. It provides important insights into the symmetries of the weak nuclear force. Neutron decay is important for understanding the formation and abundance of light elements in the [...] Read more.

Free neutron decay is the prototype for nuclear beta decay and other semileptonic weak particle decays. It provides important insights into the symmetries of the weak nuclear force. Neutron decay is important for understanding the formation and abundance of light elements in the early universe. The two main experimental approaches for measuring the neutron lifetime, the beam method and the ultracold neutron storage method, have produced results that currently differ by 9.8 ± 2.0 s. While this discrepancy probably has an experimental origin, a more exciting prospect is that it may be explained by new physics, with possible connections to dark matter. The experimental status of the neutron lifetime is briefly reviewed, with an emphasis on its implications for cosmology, astrophysics, and dark matter. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Dark Universe: The Harbinger of a Major Discovery)

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