Dark matter seeding and the kinematics and rotation of neutron stars

TL;DR

This paper explores how dark matter accumulation and strangelet seed formation inside neutron stars can influence their velocity and rotation, potentially affecting observable properties.

Contribution

It introduces a novel mechanism linking dark matter seeding with changes in neutron star kinematics and rotation patterns.

Findings

Dark matter annihilation can alter neutron star velocities.

Strangelet seed formation impacts star's momentum and torque.

Potential observable effects on neutron star kinematics.

Abstract

Self-annihilation of dark matter accreted from the galactic halo in the inner regions of neutron stars may affect their kinematical properties, namely velocity kicks and rotation patterns. We find that if a stable long-lived single or multiple strangelet off-center seed forms, there is an associated change in momentum and torque that may affect the kinematical observables of the star.