Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
Jan 2011
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2011aas...21715104r&link_type=abstract
American Astronomical Society, AAS Meeting #217, #151.04; Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, Vol. 43, 2011
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
Scientific paper
Through an examination of recent data on the mass distribution and velocity curve of the Milky Way Galaxy, I produce a new estimate of the dark matter distribution, as well as the overall dark matter content, of our galaxy. Initially, I develop a model of the baryonic mass of the galaxy (i.e. luminous matter and interstellar clouds). This model incorporates three components: an exponential stellar disc and a central stellar bulge, based on the Tuorla-Heidelberg model, and a gaseous layer, fit to the gas density distribution data of Olling & Merrifield (2001). Secondly, incorporating recent data, I calculate an updated rotational velocity curve for the galaxy as a function of galactocentric radius. Using this velocity curve, I determine total galactic mass as a function of radius and compare this with the baryonic mass model to determine the distribution of dark matter in the galaxy, with improved precision and over a greater spatial range than previous estimates. This calculation results in a radial dark matter density distribution that falls off with large distance in a characteristic fashion. Finally, I show that neutrinos, particles that have often been suggested as a component of dark matter, cannot make up more than a negligible fraction of the galactic dark matter content. Funding for this research was provided by the University of Minnesota College of Science & Engineering/Institute of Technology Honors Undergraduate Research Scholarship program.
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