Illuminating the darkest galaxies
Abstract
Low luminosity dwarf galaxies provide stringent constraints on the nature of dark matter. Establishing these constraints depends on precise kinematic measurements of individual stars. In this overview for non-specialists, we describe current and future prospects for three unique tests of dark matter using resolved stellar kinematics in low luminosity galaxies: the overall number of satellite galaxies around the Milky Way, dark-matter annihilation radiation from dwarf galaxies, and their internal density profiles. We then assess the prospects for meaningfully testing theories of dark matter based on the improved kinematic precision expected from upcoming facilities.
- Publication:
-
Physics Today
- Pub Date:
- November 2021
- DOI:
- 10.1063/PT.3.4879
- arXiv:
- arXiv:2112.04657
- Bibcode:
- 2021PhT....74k..30S
- Keywords:
-
- Astrophysics - Cosmology and Nongalactic Astrophysics;
- Astrophysics - Astrophysics of Galaxies;
- Physics - Popular Physics
- E-Print:
- This review article appeared in Physics Today, November 2021, see http://physicstoday.scitation.org/doi/10.1063/PT.3.4879