00:05Astrophysicists have a pretty good idea how most stars form, where hydrogen undergoes a fusion reaction with helium, growing into
00:11giant bright light producing spheres.
00:13However, some don't seem to fit into that exact mold, not evolving in the way we might expect, and now
00:18experts might have an idea as to why.
00:20The new study suggests that instead of the aforementioned fusion reaction providing ongoing energy for the star, rather it's dark
00:27matter that feeds it.
00:28Researchers used an advanced computer simulation to test the theory, feeding the stars an effectively infinite supply of dark matter
00:35particles, which were colliding with antimatter.
00:37And because of the nature and quantity of theorized dark matter in the universe, this process could deliver enough energy
00:43for a star to survive for as long as 100 times its normal life cycle.
00:47With the researchers writing,
00:48The very inner galaxy is exactly where the dark matter density is high enough for dark matter annihilation to substantially
00:54replace nuclear fusion as the stellar energy source, allowing stars to stay forever young despite their advanced age.
01:01Experts say this not only explains some strange phenomena involving some old and new stars near the center of our
01:07galaxy, but it might also be a good place to look for a better understanding of dark matter.
01:12How are two great questions?
01:16You
