Effects of dark matter on the upper bound mass of neutron stars

Abstract

Observations have indicated that we do not see neutron stars (NS) of mass near the theoretical upper limit as predicted. Here we invoke the role of dark matter (DM) particles in star formation, and their role in lowering the mass of remnants eventually formed from these stars. Massive stars can capture DM particles more effectively than the lower mass stars, thus further softening the equation of state of the remnant neutron stars. We also look at the capture of DM particles by the NS, which could further soften the upper mass limit of NS. The admixture of DM particles would be higher at earlier epochs (high z).