Electromagnetic weight loss of dark matter stars in numerical relativity

The origin of dark matter (DM), the most common type of matter in our universe, is still one of the critical questions of modern cosmology. Understanding the astrophysical structures that DM forms is hence key to testing theories. In my talk, I will explore one type of spherical DM distribution, compact axion stars, and their interaction with electromagnetic radiation in full numerical relativity. The coupling of the axion (a theoretical DM particle) to electromagnetism forms the basis of various axion detection experiments. After a brief introduction to numerical relativity, I will demonstrate how these axion stars decay in less than a second due to the Cosmic Microwave Background photons, paving the way for multimessenger probes.