Magnetic Monopoles and Dark Matter

Abstract

Schwinger’s idea about the magnetic world of the early Universe, in which magnetic charges (monopoles) and magnetic atoms (g⁺g^–) could be formed, is developed. In the present-day Universe magnetic charges with energies in the GeV range can be formed in the magnetospheres of young pulsars in superstrong magnetic fields. Spectroscopic features of magnetic atoms and possibilities for their observations are discussed. Relic magnetic atoms can contribute up to 18% to the dark matter density. The gamma-ray excess at our Galactic center could arise under two-photon annihilation of magnetic charges as a cooperative effect from neutron stars. A sharp physical difference of Schwinger’s magnetic world from Dirac’s present-day electric world is pointed out. Artificial magnetic monopoles are also mentioned briefly.