Astrophysicists have a pretty good idea how most stars form, where hydrogen undergoes a fusion reaction with hydrogen, growing into giant, bright light-producing spheres. However, some don’t seem to fit into that exact mold, not evolving in the same way and now experts might have an idea as to why.
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00:00Astrophysicists have a pretty good idea how most stars form, where hydrogen undergoes
00:08a fusion reaction with helium, growing into giant bright light-producing spheres.
00:13However, some don't seem to fit into that exact mold, not evolving in the way we might
00:16expect and now experts might have an idea as to why.
00:21The new study suggests that instead of the aforementioned fusion reaction providing ongoing
00:25energy for the star, rather it's dark matter that feeds it.
00:29Researchers used an advanced computer simulation to test the theory, feeding the stars an effectively
00:33infinite supply of dark matter particles which were colliding with antimatter.
00:37And because of the nature and quantity of theorized dark matter in the universe, this
00:41process could deliver enough energy for a star to survive for as long as 100 times its
00:46normal life cycle.
00:47With the researchers writing, the very inner galaxy is exactly where the dark matter density
00:51is high enough for dark matter annihilation to substantially replace nuclear fusion as
00:56the stellar energy source, allowing stars to stay forever young despite their advanced
01:01age.
01:02Experts say this not only explains some strange phenomena involving some old and new stars
01:06near the center of our galaxy, but it might also be a good place to look for a better
01:10understanding of dark matter.