What specific particle is often hypothesized to be the source of dark matter energy in Dark Stars?
WIMP (Weakly Interacting Massive Particle)
The energy release mechanism central to the Dark Star hypothesis is highly dependent on the nature of the dark matter particle itself. Among the theoretical candidates proposed to explain the missing mass in the universe, the WIMP, or Weakly Interacting Massive Particle, is frequently hypothesized as the agent powering these ancient objects. If WIMPs constitute the dark matter present in sufficient density within the stellar core, their interaction—specifically annihilation or decay—will generate the required continuous energy flow. This specific particle identification is crucial because the resulting energy output dictates how long the star can remain supported against gravitational collapse and cooling.
