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science1d ago
Did we just see dark matter? Scientists express skepticism
- New analysis of 15 years of Fermi data finds a gamma-ray halo near the Milky Way's center that could signal dark matter.
- Experts note the claim could be premature; previous data have yielded similar signals without confirming dark matter.
- Some scientists say the galactic center's complexity and density assumptions challenge the detection claim.
- University of Tokyo press materials describe Totani as confident, but other experts urge caution until independent checks
- Study authors published their work November 25, 2025 in the Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics.
- The claim centers on a WIMP dark matter candidate and expected gamma-ray signatures from annihilation.
- Experts stress independent replication is needed to confirm any dark matter detection.
- The University of Tokyo press release frames Totani as confident, yet others call for caution.
- Peer commentary highlights the need to compare signals in less messy dwarf galaxies.
- NASA data and gamma-ray analyses remain a promising path for dark matter searches, pending verification.
- Overall, the story reflects ongoing debate over whether a 20 GeV gamma-ray signal is astrophysical or dark matter in origin.
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