Recent research suggests that axions, a proposed dark matter candidate, could influence space-time dynamics by generating gravitational waves when interacting with black holes. This study, published on November 23, 2024, posits that if dark matter consists of axions, it could extract energy from rotating black holes through a process known as super-radiance. This interaction would result in the accumulation of dark matter around black holes, creating an 'invisible shroud' that could ring space-time like a bell, emitting detectable gravitational waves.
These gravitational waves would differ from those produced during black hole mergers, offering a unique signature that existing and planned observatories might detect. Researchers recommend analyzing existing data for potential evidence of this phenomenon and refining future experiments to search for these elusive signals.
This work contributes to the ongoing quest to understand dark matter, which remains one of the universe's greatest mysteries due to its lack of interaction with normal matter. The implications of this research could reshape our understanding of dark matter's role in cosmic phenomena and the fundamental nature of gravity.