A Search for Dark Matter Annihilation with the Whipple 10m Telescope

Details A Search for Dark Matter Annihilation with the Whipple 10m Telescope A Search for Dark Matter Annihilation with the Whipple 10m Telescope

2008-01-11

arxiv.org/abs/0801.1708v1

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

33 pages, 12 figures, accepted for publication in the Astrophysical Journal

Scientific paper

10.1086/529421

We present observations of the dwarf galaxies Draco and Ursa Minor, the local group galaxies M32 and M33, and the globular cluster M15 conducted with the Whipple 10m gamma-ray telescope to search for the gamma-ray signature of self-annihilating weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) which may constitute astrophysical dark matter (DM). We review the motivations for selecting these sources based on their unique astrophysical environments and report the results of the data analysis which produced upper limits on excess rate of gamma rays for each source. We consider models for the DM distribution in each source based on the available observational constraints and discuss possible scenarios for the enhancement of the gamma-ray luminosity. Limits on the thermally averaged product of the total self-annihilation cross section and velocity of the WIMP, <\sigma v>, are derived using conservative estimates for the magnitude of the astrophysical contribution to the gamma-ray flux. Although these limits do not constrain predictions from the currently favored theoretical models of supersymmetry (SUSY), future observations with VERITAS will probe a larger region of the WIMP parameter phase space, <\sigma v> and WIMP particle mass (m_\chi).

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

A Search for Dark Matter Annihilation with the Whipple 10m Telescope does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with A Search for Dark Matter Annihilation with the Whipple 10m Telescope, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and A Search for Dark Matter Annihilation with the Whipple 10m Telescope will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-547487