{
  "id": 14148629,
  "title": "Will we observe dark matter as a particle or a wave?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/will-we-observe-dark-matter-as-a-particle-or-a-wave",
  "topic": "science",
  "section": "Science",
  "published": "2026-10-13T08:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Scientist",
    "slug": "new-scientist",
    "url": "https://www.newscientist.com/article/2591125-will-we-observe-dark-matter-as-a-particle-or-a-wave/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The discovery of dark matter through astrophysical observations has already been achieved, but scientists are now seeking to determine the specific nature of this mysterious substance. One avenue of research involves looking for direct interactions between dark matter particles and atomic nuclei on Earth, as demonstrated by the LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) experiment. A recent data point reported by LZ could represent the first evidence of dark matter particles interacting via nuclear forces, potentially revealing the identity of dark matter.\n\nHowever, the search for dark matter particles is not straightforward, as there are numerous theories that can explain the existing astrophysical observations. To differentiate between the various dark matter models, researchers must focus on the details of the data. Currently, the LZ experiment assumes that dark matter is composed of weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs), but the research team led by the author is investigating an alternative model known as axions.\n\nUnlike WIMPs, axions behave as waves rather than particles, a concept derived from quantum physics' wave-particle duality. As such, axions are expected to leave distinct signatures in astronomical observations, particularly in the study of dwarf galaxies and cosmic microwave background radiation. To determine whether dark matter is composed of axions instead of WIMPs, scientists must first develop computer simulations that can accurately model the differences in data between the two possibilities.\n\nIn a recent collaboration, the author and Hoang Nhan Luu at the University of New Hampshire published two preprints that explore an axion model, which they believe can improve the efficiency and accuracy of simulations. Although this research does not generate sensational headlines, it plays a crucial role in advancing our understanding of dark matter. By refining our theoretical models and simulations, scientists can better interpret the existing evidence and ultimately uncover the true nature of dark matter, whether it manifests as a particle or a wave.",
  "summary": "We have arguably already discovered dark matter, says columnist Chanda Prescod-Weinstein. To observe it, we will need to figure out whether we expect it to act like a particle or a wave.",
  "key_points": [
    "LZ experiment reports potential dark matter interaction with atomic nuclei",
    "Axion model proposes dark matter as waves, not particles",
    "Researchers developing simulations to distinguish axions from WIMPs"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}