Cloud-9: EPT Soliton & Primordial Relic
The First Confirmed Reionization-Limited H I Cloud (RELHIC) through QFunity
1. Discovery Context: Cloud-9 (RELHIC) – January 2026
Key Observational Facts
Discovered via radio surveys (FAST, Green Bank, VLA) and confirmed starless by Hubble ACS (January 5, 2026). Located ~14–16 million light-years away near Messier 94 (M94), with slight gas distortion possibly from tidal interaction. First confirmed RELHIC: a starless, gas-rich, dark-matter-dominated relic from early galaxy formation.
- HI mass: ≈ 1 × 10⁶ M⊙
- Dark matter mass: ≈ 5 × 10⁹ M⊙
- Diameter (HI core): ≈ 4,900 light-years (~1.5 kpc)
- No stars detected (upper limit very low)
Source: NASA Hubble Article (Jan 2026) | Published in ApJL DOI: 10.3847/2041-8213/ae1584
2. QFunity Interpretation: Cloud-9 as EPT Soliton & Zero-Mode Fossil
Core Concept: Scalar Field Dark Matter Soliton
In QFunity, dark matter is a condensed scalar field from the EPT (Pre temporal Space). Cloud-9 is interpreted as a stable soliton of this field, a « fossil » that did not complete transition to baryonic stars.
Links: Scalar Field Dark Matter | Dark Matter as EPT Manifestation | Zero Modes – Persistent Relics
Static Soliton Equation & Profile
Radial Profile (ℓ=0, flat background)
\[\phi_{\text{EPT}}(r) = \phi_0 \, j_0(\mu_{\text{QF}} r) \, e^{-r/\Lambda_{\text{screen}}}\] where \( j_0 \) is the spherical Bessel function, yielding a flat core.Calibration for Cloud-9
For M_DM ≈ 5 × 10⁹ M⊙ → m_EPT ≈ 2 × 10^{-22} eV/c². Core radius r_c ≈ 600 pc matches HI extent (~750 pc). Density central ρ_0 ≈ 0.1 M⊙/pc³.
Link: Scalar Field Calibration
3. Absence of Stars: Blocked Emergence via EPT Coupling
HI (~10⁶ M⊙) emerged via primordial baryogenesis, but star formation threshold (U ≥ 1, spin coupling) not reached due to insufficient EPT density/rotation. « missed galaxy » – intermediate state.
Links: 21 cm Hydrogen Emergence | Primordial Fields & Gravity | Observer & Scale-Dependence
4. Predicted Signatures & Future Evolution
Key Predictions
- Flat density core → flat rotation curve inside ~600 pc (vs. cuspy NFW)
- Ultra-slow field oscillation: T ≈ 6×10⁷ years
- Tiny 21 cm shift: δν/ν ≈ -4×10^{-9}
Evolution Scenarios (Driven by Rotation B̂_ϵ)
Most probable: Slow accretion from M94 → stellar awakening in ~0.5–1 Gyr (χ ≈ 0.01–0.1).
Link: État Pré-Temporel (EPT) | Gauge Unification & Emergence
5. Critical Test: HI Rotation Curve
Next decisive observation (VLA/SKA high-res): v_rot(r) should rise linearly then plateau (core constant density).
v_max ≈ 15–20 km/s. Deviation from NFW would strongly support EPT soliton.