The Pierre Auger Exotic Events and Axion Quark Nuggets

Abstract

The Pierre Auger Observatory have reported [1-3] observation of several exotic cosmic ray -like events which apparently related to thunderstorms. These events are much larger in size than conventional cosmic ray events, and they have very distinct timing features. A possible nature of the observed phenomenon is still a matter of active research and debates as many unusual features of these exotic events are hard to explain. In particular, the frequency of appearance of these exotic events is very low (less than 2 events/year), in huge contrast with a typical rate of a conventional lightning strikes in the area. We propose that the observed exotic events can be explained within the so-called axion quark nugget (AQN) dark matter model. The idea is that the AQNs may trigger and initiate a special and unique class of lightning strikes during a thunderstorm as a result of ionization of the atmospheric molecules along its path. The corresponding AQN-induced lighting flashes may show some specific features not shared by typical and much more frequent conventional flashes. We support this proposal by demonstrating that the observations[1-3], including the frequency of appearance and time duration are consistent with observations. We also comment on possible relation of AUGER exotic events with the Telescope Array bursts and the terrestrial gamma ray flashes. We list a number of features of the AQN-induced exotic events (such as specific radio pulses synchronized with these events) which can be directly tested by future experiments. We also suggest to use distributed acoustic sensing instruments to detect the acoustic pulses which must be synchronized with AUGER exotic events.

arXiv commentMany new comments and clarifications on relation with conventional lightnings. Matches the published version in Journal of Physics G: Nuclear and Particles Physics

References in corpus (31)

• "Nonbaryonic" Dark Matter as Baryonic Color Superconductor
• Macro Dark Matter
• Characteristics of Four Upward-pointing Cosmic-ray-like Events Observed with ANITA
• Observation of an Unusual Upward-going Cosmic-ray-like Event in the Third Flight of ANITA
• Cold Dark Matter as Compact Composite Objects
• Gamma-ray Showers Observed at Ground Level in Coincidence With Downward Lightning Leaders
• WMAP Haze: Directly Observing Dark Matter?
• Axion field and the quark nugget's formation at the QCD phase transition
• The Axion Quark Nugget Dark Matter Model: Size Distribution and Survival Pattern
• Observations of the Origin of Downward Terrestrial Gamma-Ray Flashes
• The Electrosphere of Macroscopic "Quark Nuclei": A Source for Diffuse MeV Emissions from Dark Matter
• Cosmological Axion and Quark Nugget Dark Matter Model
• Solar Corona Heating by the Axion Quark Nugget Dark Matter
• The 21cm Absorption Line and Axion Quark Nugget Dark Matter Model
• Axion Quark Nuggets. Dark Matter and Matter-Antimatter asymmetry: theory, observations and future experiments
• Antiquark nuggets as dark matter: New constraints and detection prospects
• The Mystery of the Cosmic Diffuse Ultraviolet Background Radiation
• Primordial Lithium Puzzle and the Axion Quark Nugget Dark Matter Model
• Cosmological CP odd axion field as the coherent Berry's phase of the Universe
• Solar Extreme UV radiation and quark nugget dark matter model
• The Diffuse Radiation Field at High Galactic Latitudes
• Gravitationally trapped axions on Earth
• Infrasonic, acoustic and seismic waves produced by the Axion Quark Nuggets
• Antimatter as Macroscopic Dark Matter
• Stringent neutrino flux constraints on anti-quark nugget dark matter
• Quark Nugget Dark Matter: No contradictions with neutrino flux constraints
• The mysterious diffuse UV radiation and Axion Quark Nugget dark matter model
• Radio impulsive events in quiet solar corona and Axion Quark Nugget Dark Matter
• Dark matter searches using accelerometer-based networks
• The Mysterious Bursts observed by Telescope Array and Axion Quark Nuggets
• Telescope Array Bursts, Radio Pulses and Axion Quark Nuggets

Cited by in corpus (2)

• The ANITA Anomalous Events and Axion Quark Nuggets
• Structure Formation Paradigm and Axion Quark Nugget dark matter model