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Updated: Jun 8, 2026

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Scattering And Absorption of Light in Planetary Regoliths
Published on: July 1, 2019
Asymmetric dark matter and the sun.
Mads T Frandsen1, Subir Sarkar
1Rudolf Peierls Centre for Theoretical Physics, University of Oxford, 1 Keble Road, Oxford OX1 3NP, United Kingdom.
Physical Review Letters
|September 28, 2010
Summary
Cold dark matter particles with self-interactions can be captured by the Sun, altering its structure and potentially solving the solar composition problem. This could lead to measurable decreases in neutrino fluxes.
Area of Science:
- Particle Physics
- Astrophysics
- Cosmology
Background:
- Cold dark matter (CDM) is a leading candidate for explaining galactic structure formation.
- The Sun's interior composition is not fully understood, posing a challenge for solar models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if CDM particles with self-interactions and matter-antimatter asymmetry can resolve the solar composition problem.
- To explore the potential impact of such particles on solar structure and observable phenomena.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical modeling of CDM particle capture and self-interaction within the Sun.
- Analysis of the effects of captured CDM on solar interiors.
- Calculation of predicted changes in low-energy neutrino fluxes.
Main Results:
- CDM particles with specific self-interactions and asymmetry are not annihilated after solar capture.
- These particles can alter the Sun's interior structure, resolving the solar composition problem.
- A 5 GeV "dark baryon" is a viable candidate, explaining relic abundance and solar issues.
Conclusions:
- CDM with self-interactions and asymmetry offers a solution to the solar composition problem.
- Predicted subtle changes in neutrino fluxes may be detectable by experiments like Borexino and SNO+.
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