Physicists have theorized the existence of a potential “fifth force” in the universe, which could explain major unsolved mysteries like dark matter. However, recent analysis of the asteroid Bennu has shown no signs of its orbit being influenced by such a force, setting limits on its potential strength. The four known forces in the universe are electromagnetism, gravity, and the strong and weak nuclear forces, with the hypothetical fifth force serving as a possible explanation for dark matter, which remains a mystery in the field of physics.
Astronomers have been closely monitoring Bennu’s trajectory using NASA’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft, which successfully collected a sample of the asteroid and brought it back to Earth in 2023. This detailed tracking of Bennu’s path makes it an ideal target for studying any deviations that could be caused by unknown forces. Researcher Yu-Dai Tsai from Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico notes that even minor deviations in Bennu’s predicted path could provide valuable evidence for new physics, making it a valuable source of data for investigating potential fifth forces.
In the search for a fifth force, scientists are looking for corresponding particles that can transmit the force, similar to how photons mediate electromagnetism. If a fifth force exists, its associated particles could potentially be linked to dark matter. The data collected from Bennu allows researchers to explore the possibility of a fifth force connected to extremely light particles, possibly a millionth of a trillionth of an electron volt in mass. Further measurements of other asteroids could help expand the search to cover a wider range of potential masses, shedding light on the dark side of matter through investigations of objects within our solar system.
While the study of returned space rocks from Bennu can provide insights into the composition of celestial bodies in our solar system, the detailed analysis of asteroids like Bennu and their trajectories can also offer valuable information about the elusive dark matter. Understanding the nature of dark matter and its potential connection to a fifth force could provide significant advancements in the field of physics, offering new perspectives on the fundamental forces that govern the universe.
Overall, the exploration of hypothetical fifth forces and their implications for dark matter remains a key area of interest for physicists and astronomers. By analyzing data from objects like Bennu and conducting further research on asteroids and other celestial bodies, scientists hope to uncover new insights into the nature of forces in the universe and potentially solve longstanding mysteries related to dark matter. Efforts to support scientific literacy and enhance understanding of these complex topics are crucial in advancing our knowledge of the universe.
