Scientists Say Dark Matter Could Turn Failed Stars Into ‘Dark Dwarfs’
Astronomers suggest that brown dwarfs—dim, failed stars—could transform into “dark dwarfs” by capturing dark matter in their cores. When dark matter particles annihilate, they release heat, potentially lighting up these stars. Physicist Jeremy Sakstein and researchers like Jillian Paulin and Rebecca Leane support this idea, which could help identify dark matter as heavy, self-annihilating particles. These objects may retain lithium-7, unlike typical brown dwarfs. Telescopes like NASA’s James Webb may already be capable of spotting such bodies near the Milky Way’s center, offering vital clues about the nature of dark matter.
