Dark Matter: Quantum Vortices Around Black Holes ⚡ экспресс
Stationary axially symmetric solutions are constructed for the dark matter model in the form of a Bose–Einstein condensate (BECDM) in the field of a point gravitating mass (black hole). The ground spherically symmetric state and a vortex solution with a nonzero integer winding number are considered. The equations were solved using the imaginary time method, which allowed constructing families of configurations over a wide range of self-interaction parameters and black hole mass. The influence of these parameters on density distribution and stability is analyzed via a turning-point criterion based on the enthalpy functional; stable and unstable branches are identified. For attractive self-interaction (g<0), a maximum mass is found, setting the boundary of allowed parameter ranges for such solutions. It is shown that stable vortex structures can exist in the vicinity of a black hole, and their stability indicates compatibility with astrophysically relevant BECDM collapse scenarios.
In the quantum world, dark matter particles can merge into a single superfluid droplet—a state where matter flows without friction, like an ideal fluid. When near a black hole, this droplet doesn’t just disappear into it but twists into stable vortices—like water swirling around a rock in a stream. Scientists found that the most stable ones are a dense central clump and a vortex encircling the hole. The latter can persist for years if the particles attract each other weakly: a balance of forces prevents it from falling apart.
The twist: these vortices affect the rotation of galaxies and even make the black hole wobble, generating a distinct “ringing” in gravitational waves—ripples in spacetime. And if the particles attract too strongly, the vortex collapses—scientists calculated a precise boundary for this collapse.
🎯 At ultralow temperatures, a special quantum fluid can behave as a single giant particle; when spun, it forms tiny tornado-like vortices—in labs, these are created using lasers.