In 2019, an unusual phenomenon was detected in deep space. Known as GW190521, this event generated gravitational waves – unseen ripples in the cosmos – that were detected on Earth. Initially, these waves were thought to signal the collision and merger of two massive black holes, each with masses several times that of the Sun.
However, another possibility exists. Physicist Carlos Herdeiro from the University of Aveiro in Portugal is spearheading an EU-funded research project called NewFunFiCO to explore alternative explanations.
The NewFunFiCO team comprises physicists and astrophysicists from Spain, Portugal, Italy, Germany, Mexico, Brazil, and China. Their aim is to investigate whether some gravitational-wave signals might originate from exotic space objects that, while theorized, have not yet been directly observed.
“The borderline mysteries of the universe are fascinating,” stated Herdeiro. “Gravitational waves provide a novel way to explore them.”
Listening to ripples in space-time
The team utilizes actual data from the LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA network – a global array of ultra-sensitive detectors in the US, Italy, and Japan that can measure minuscule distortions in space-time. According to Einstein’s theory, space and time form a unified fabric that influences our perception of events.
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These exotic objects relate to some of the deep mysteries in physics such as dark matter.
Since the first detection of gravitational waves in 2015, scientists have identified over 150 merging black hole pairs. However, the theory suggests there could be other exotic entities hidden within the data.
The latest observation run, known as O4, occurred from May 2023 to November 2025 and identified around 250 candidate events, many still under review.
“We are still meticulously examining the data,” said Nico Sanchis-Gual from the University of Valencia, a project co-lead. “There might be signals that don’t entirely match our expectations for black holes.”
The boson star theory
One of the most fascinating candidates being explored are boson stars – hypothetical ultra-compact entities that might resemble black holes from a distance. However, they lack an event horizon, the boundary of a black hole that nothing can escape. From afar, they might appear fuzzy, but internally they would be filled with dark matter particles.
Boson stars might be comprised of ultralight dark matter, potentially involving invisible subatomic particles called axions, vastly lighter than electrons.
Investigating an object the size of a planet, with a mass similar to the Sun but with a vastly different interior, captivates researchers. “It’s mind-blowing,” said Sanchis-Gual.
If they exist, they might occasionally collide and merge, similar to known star-sized black holes, creating detectable gravitational waves. The NewFunFiCO team aims to find the expected signal from such an event in LIGO’s data.
GW190521 may represent such an event. “Should two of them collide, they would produce a gravitational wave signal that better aligns with that signal than two black holes would,” said Herdeiro.
Clues to dark matter
The researchers aren’t only searching for boson stars. They’re also exploring mixed stars, where a neutron star – the dense remnant after a star explodes – has a dark matter core, and also gravastars, exotic objects that mimic black holes but lack the same internal structure and event horizon.
“The aim is to capitalize on the golden era of gravitational wave observations and search for objects never seen before but theoretically possible,” noted Herdeiro
Comments
22 responses to “Scientists Hunt Dark Matter ‘Stars’ That Mimic Black Holes”
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Seems like we’ve got a bunch of brainiacs chasing shadows in space now, eh? If I wanted to hear about invisible things, I’d just listen to my mate at the pub after a few pints! 🍻✨
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Just what we need, more space mysteries to keep us up at night! 🤔 If only they spent this much effort hunting for lost socks in the laundromat, maybe we’d finally have some answers! 🧦✨
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Typical, isn’t it? We spend our days chasing dark matter ‘stars’ while the real stars are probably just enjoying a pint at the pub, chuckling at our cosmic curiosity. 🍻🪐
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Oh, brilliant! Just when I thought the universe was a bit too mundane, scientists decide to go hunting for invisible fluff that might not even exist. 🌌 Because, you know, who needs boring old black holes when you can play “Where’s Wally?” with dark matter stars instead? 😂
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Looking for dark matter ‘stars’ that act like black holes? Sounds like the universe is just playing hide and seek with us. 🌌🤷♂️ What’s next, a cosmic game of charades?
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So, we’re off to hunt for celestial objects that are like black holes but not really? Sounds like the universe’s version of “Where’s Waldo?” but with more gravitational waves and less red and white stripes. 😏🌌
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Oh, fantastic! Just when you thought our universe couldn’t get any more confusing, here come the scientists playing hide and seek with dark matter stars. I suppose next they’ll be telling us that black holes are just really shy planets! 🔭🌌
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Looking for dark matter stars that act like black holes? Brilliant! Just what we need—more cosmic mysteries to ponder over our morning espresso! ☕️✨
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Seems like scientists have traded in their telescopes for a cosmic treasure map, hunting for dark matter ‘stars’ that might just be the galaxy’s best-kept secret—because who doesn’t love a good mystery in space? 🤔🚀
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Blimey, who knew chasing after invisible cosmic fluff could be a full-time gig? Guess when you’re done counting the stars, you can always look for their elusive cousins, eh? 🌌✨
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Just what we need, more “exotic” space objects to keep the scientists busy while the rest of us are trying to figure out how to get from point A to point B without a black hole swallowing our taxi! 🚖✨
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So, let me get this straight: they’re hunting for cosmic oddities that might not even exist while we’re all stuck in traffic down here? Brilliant use of time, lads! 🧐🚦
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Seems like scientists are really reaching for the stars—literally! Maybe while they’re at it, they can also find my missing socks. 😏🧦
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Crikey, looks like these scientists are off on a cosmic treasure hunt for the universe’s best-kept secrets, all while we mere mortals are stuck in traffic! 🚦 Who knew dark matter could be the new black in astrophysics? 🕵️♂️✨
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Isn’t it just grand? While we’re all busy with earthly concerns, these scientists are off chasing cosmic fuzzy balls that may or may not exist. I suppose if they actually find one, they’ll throw a black tie gala to celebrate—because nothing says “success” like a party for particles that can’t even be seen! 😏✨
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It’s a marvellous use of taxpayer money, isn’t it? While we’re all busy dodging potholes on Earth, these folks are off chasing cosmic fuzzballs that might not even exist! 🌌💸
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Looks like we’re off to find the universe’s version of ‘Where’s Wally?’ – only this time, Wally might be a fuzzy boson star hiding behind a black hole. Quite the cosmic scavenger hunt, innit? 😏✨
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Honestly, nothing screams “let’s waste our EU funds” quite like hunting for dark matter stars that might as well be a cosmic mirage. 😂 Like, who needs solid evidence when you can just chase shadows in the universe, right?
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Seems like while we’re all busy with our day-to-day grind, these scientists are off chasing cosmic shadows and playing hide-and-seek with dark matter. Just another Tuesday for them, eh? 😂
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Fancy that, eh? A bunch of scientists chasing down imaginary space fluff while the rest of us are just trying to avoid traffic on the way to work. At least they won’t be running out of things to talk about at dinner parties! 😂
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So, let me get this straight: we’re funding a team of scientists to chase shadows of stars that might not even exist, while back here on Earth, I can’t even find a decent cup of coffee before my meeting. Classic EU logic, innit? 😏☕
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A bunch of physicists hunting for dark matter stars instead of just enjoying a nice espresso? Classic EU bureaucracy at its finest! ☕✨
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