In the realm of astrophysics and energy research, a team of scientists led by Alex M. Garcia and Mariangela Lisanti from Princeton University, along with collaborators from various institutions, has been delving into the mysteries of dark matter in our Milky Way galaxy. Their work, part of the DREAMS Project, aims to understand the impact of different factors on the density distribution of dark matter, which is crucial for dark matter detection experiments and has implications for energy research related to understanding the universe’s fundamental components.
The researchers utilized a suite of 1024 Milky Way-mass halos simulated with Cold Dark Matter (CDM) to study the influence of baryon feedback and intrinsic halo-to-halo variance on dark matter density profiles. Baryons are ordinary matter made up of protons and neutrons, and feedback refers to the processes by which these baryons interact with and influence the distribution of dark matter. The simulations varied parameters related to supernova and black hole feedback, as well as two cosmological parameters. The findings revealed that the dark matter density profiles in the Milky Way are largely insensitive to these variations, with the primary source of scatter being the natural variance between different halos. However, the variations that did occur were mostly driven by changes in supernova prescriptions.
Comparing these simulations to dark matter-only simulations, the team found that the strongest supernova wind energies were so effective at preventing galaxy formation that the halos were nearly entirely composed of collisionless dark matter. This insight is significant because it shows how powerful feedback mechanisms can dramatically alter the structure of dark matter halos. Additionally, the researchers noted that all the DREAMS halos were consistent with a model where the halo contracts adiabatically due to the presence of baryons, unlike models that exhibit bursty stellar feedback. This work is a step toward assessing the robustness of Milky Way dark matter profiles, which is essential for dark matter searches where systematic uncertainty in the density profile remains a major challenge.
The practical applications for the energy sector lie in the broader understanding of dark matter and its interactions with ordinary matter. As we strive to harness energy from the cosmos, whether through fusion, solar, or other advanced technologies, a deeper comprehension of the fundamental forces and particles that govern the universe can lead to innovative breakthroughs. For instance, understanding dark matter could potentially unlock new energy sources or improve our ability to model and predict cosmic phenomena that impact energy systems on Earth.
This research was published in the journal Physical Review D, providing a robust foundation for future studies in astrophysics and energy research. The team’s work highlights the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and the pursuit of fundamental science in driving technological and energy advancements.
This article is based on research available at arXiv.