Researchers from the University of Geneva, CERN, and Sapienza University of Rome have proposed a novel method to detect dark matter particles. The study, published in Physical Review Letters, outlines a process in which dark matter particles could transform into low-frequency radio waves within Earth’s ionosphere—the upper atmospheric layer rich in free ions and electrons.
Dark matter, which constitutes most of the universe’s mass, remains one of science’s greatest mysteries. Ultralight particles, such as axions and dark photons, are believed to be key components of this enigmatic substance. According to the research, these particles could interact with the ionosphere’s plasma, converting into photons, making them detectable.
The researchers calculated the rate of such transformations and concluded that these signals could be captured using small-scale antennas. This method is cost-effective and leverages existing knowledge about the ionosphere, making it a promising avenue for further exploration.
The team is now collaborating with physicists to test their hypothesis. They plan to analyze existing data from ground-based antennas in hopes of identifying the predicted signals, which would confirm the presence of dark matter particles.
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