Have Astrophysicists Spotted Evidence For ‘Dark Stars’?
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Astrophysicists may have spotted evidence for “dark stars,” an unusual type of star that could possibly have existed in the earliest days of the universe, in data from the James Webb Space Telescope. Instead of being powered by nuclear fusion as current stars are, the controversial theory says that these ancient dark stars would have formed by mixing a huge cloud of hydrogen and helium with a type of self-annihilating dark matter. Dark stars would not have been dark—researchers believe that if they existed, they would actually have been bigger and brighter than current stars.
Astrophysicists Katherine Freese, who first proposed the idea of dark stars in 2007, and Cosmin Ilie, who detected the possible signs of dark stars, join Host Ira Flatow to discuss the theory.
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Segment Guests
Katherine Freese
Dr. Katherine Freese is a theoretical astrophysicist and a professor of physics at the University of Texas at Austin.
Cosmin Ilie
Dr. Cosmin Ilie is an assistant professor of physics and astronomy at Colgate University.
Segment Transcript
The transcript is being processed. It will be available 2-3 days after this story’s publication date.
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About Charles Bergquist
As Science Friday’s director and senior producer, Charles Bergquist channels the chaos of a live production studio into something sounding like a radio program. Favorite topics include planetary sciences, chemistry, materials, and shiny things with blinking lights.
About Ira Flatow
Ira Flatow is the founder and host of Science Friday. His green thumb has revived many an office plant at death’s door.