Abstract
Observations of the Milky Way by the SPI/INTEGRAL satellite have confirmed the presence of a strong 511 keV gamma ray line emission from the bulge, which requires an intense source of positrons in the galactic center. These observations are hard to account for by conventional astrophysical scenarios, whereas other proposals, such as light DM, face stringent constraints from the diffuse gamma ray background. Here we suggest that light superconducting strings could be the source of the observed 511 keV emission.The associated particle physics, at the ~ 1TeV scale, is within the reach of planned accelerator experiments, while the distinguishing spatial distribution, proportional to the galactic magnetic field, could be mapped by SPI or by future, more sensitive satellite missions.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Title of host publication | From Quantum to Cosmos |
Subtitle of host publication | Fundamental Physics Research in Space |
Publisher | World Scientific Publishing Co. |
Pages | 529-535 |
Number of pages | 7 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9789814261210 |
ISBN (Print) | 9814261203, 9789814261203 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jan 1 2009 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Galaxy
- Positrons
- Strings
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Physics and Astronomy(all)