Observational evidence for gravitationally trapped massive axion(-like) particles

Abstract

Unexpected astrophysical observations can be explained by gravitationally captured massive particles, which are produced inside the Sun or other Stars and are accumulated over cosmic times. Their radiative decay in solar outer space would give rise to a `self-irradiation' of the whole star, providing the time-independent component of the corona heating source. In analogy with the Sun-irradiated Earth atmosphere, the temperature and density gradient in the corona - chromosphere transition region is suggestive for an omnipresent irradiation of the Sun. The same scenario fits other astrophysical X-ray observations. The radiative decay of a population of such elusive particles mimics a hot gas. X-ray observatories, with an unrivalled sensitivity below ~10 keV, can search for such particles. The elongation angle relative to the Sun is the relevant new parameter.