scholarly journals The spatial distribution of Milky Way satellites, gaps in streams and the nature of dark matter

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark R Lovell ◽  
Marius Cautun ◽  
Carlos S Frenk ◽  
Wojciech A Hellwing ◽  
Oliver Newton
Keyword(s):  
Dark Matter ◽  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
High Resolution ◽  
Radial Distribution ◽  
Cold Dark Matter ◽  
Milky Way ◽  
Self Consistent ◽  
Low Mass ◽  
Hydrodynamical Simulations ◽  
The Impact

Abstract The spatial distribution of Milky Way (MW) subhaloes provides an important set of observables for testing cosmological models. These include the radial distribution of luminous satellites, planar configurations, and the abundance of dark subhaloes whose existence or absence is key to distinguishing amongst dark matter models. We use the coco N-body simulations of cold dark matter (CDM) and 3.3 keV thermal relic warm dark matter (WDM) to predict the satellite spatial distribution in the limit that the impact of baryonic physics is minimal. We demonstrate that the radial distributions of CDM and 3.3 keV-WDM luminous satellites are identical if the minimum pre-infall halo mass to form a galaxy is >108.5 ${\, \rm M_\odot }$. The distribution of dark subhaloes is significantly more concentrated in WDM due to the absence of low mass, recently accreted substructures that typically inhabit the outer parts of a MW halo in CDM. We show that subhaloes of mass [107, 108] ${\, \rm M_\odot }$ and within 30 kpc of the centre are the stripped remnants of larger haloes in both models. Therefore their abundance in WDM is 3 × higher than one would anticipate from the overall WDM subhalo population. We estimate that differences between CDM and WDM concentration–mass relations can be probed for subhalo–stream impact parameters <2 kpc. Finally, we find that the impact of WDM on planes of satellites is likely negligible. Comprehensive comparisons with observations will require further work with high resolution, self-consistent hydrodynamical simulations.

scholarly journals The impact of inelastic self-interacting dark matter on the dark matter structure of a Milky Way halo

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kun Ting Eddie Chua ◽  
Karia Dibert ◽  
Mark Vogelsberger ◽  
Jesús Zavala
Keyword(s):  
Dark Matter ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Cold Dark Matter ◽  
Milky Way ◽  
Direct Detection ◽  
Major Axis ◽  
Inelastic Collisions ◽  
Axis Ratio ◽  
Lower Velocity ◽  
The Impact

Abstract We study the effects of inelastic dark matter self-interactions on the internal structure of a simulated Milky Way (MW)-size halo. Self-interacting dark matter (SIDM) is an alternative to collisionless cold dark matter (CDM) which offers a unique solution to the problems encountered with CDM on sub-galactic scales. Although previous SIDM simulations have mainly considered elastic collisions, theoretical considerations motivate the existence of multi-state dark matter where transitions from the excited to the ground state are exothermic. In this work, we consider a self-interacting, two-state dark matter model with inelastic collisions, implemented in the Arepo code. We find that energy injection from inelastic self-interactions reduces the central density of the MW halo in a shorter timescale relative to the elastic scale, resulting in a larger core size. Inelastic collisions also isotropize the orbits, resulting in an overall lower velocity anisotropy for the inelastic MW halo. In the inner halo, the inelastic SIDM case (minor-to-major axis ratio s ≡ c/a ≈ 0.65) is more spherical than the CDM (s ≈ 0.4), but less spherical than the elastic SIDM case (s ≈ 0.75). The speed distribution f(v) of dark matter particles at the location of the Sun in the inelastic SIDM model shows a significant departure from the CDM model, with f(v) falling more steeply at high speeds. In addition, the velocity kicks imparted during inelastic collisions produce unbound high-speed particles with velocities up to 500 km s−1 throughout the halo. This implies that inelastic SIDM can potentially leave distinct signatures in direct detection experiments, relative to elastic SIDM and CDM.

scholarly journals Predictably missing satellites: subhalo abundances in Milky Way-like haloes

2019 ◽  
Vol 486 (4) ◽  
pp. 4545-4568 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catherine E Fielder ◽  
Yao-Yuan Mao ◽  
Jeffrey A Newman ◽  
Andrew R Zentner ◽  
Timothy C Licquia
Keyword(s):  
Dark Matter ◽  
Confidence Level ◽  
Mass Concentration ◽  
Cold Dark Matter ◽  
Milky Way ◽  
Scale Factor ◽  
Magellanic Clouds ◽  
Small Scales ◽  
Major Merger ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACT On small scales there have been a number of claims of discrepancies between the standard cold dark matter (CDM) model and observations. The ‘missing satellites problem’ infamously describes the overabundance of subhaloes from CDM simulations compared to the number of satellites observed in the Milky Way. A variety of solutions to this discrepancy have been proposed; however, the impact of the specific properties of the Milky Way halo relative to the typical halo of its mass has yet to be explored. Motivated by recent studies that identified ways in which the Milky Way is atypical, we investigate how the properties of dark matter haloes with mass comparable to our Galaxy’s – including concentration, spin, shape, and scale factor of the last major merger – correlate with the subhalo abundance. Using zoom-in simulations of Milky Way-like haloes, we build two models of subhalo abundance as functions of host halo properties. From these models we conclude that the Milky Way most likely has fewer subhaloes than the average halo of the same mass. We expect up to 30 per cent fewer subhaloes with low maximum rotation velocities ($V_{\rm max}^{\rm sat} \sim 10$ km s−1) at the 68 per cent confidence level and up to 52 per cent fewer than average subhaloes with high rotation velocities ($V_{\rm max}^{\rm sat} \gtrsim 30$ km s−1, comparable to the Magellanic Clouds) than would be expected for a typical halo of the Milky Way’s mass. Concentration is the most informative single parameter for predicting subhalo abundance. Our results imply that models tuned to explain the missing satellites problem assuming typical subhalo abundances for our Galaxy may be overcorrecting.

scholarly journals THE STRUCTURE OF COLD DARK MATTER HALOS: RECENT INSIGHTS FROM HIGH RESOLUTION SIMULATIONS

2009 ◽  
Vol 24 (29) ◽  
pp. 2291-2305 ◽  
Author(s):  
MARCEL ZEMP
Keyword(s):  
Dark Matter ◽  
High Resolution ◽  
Structure Formation ◽  
Cold Dark Matter ◽  
Milky Way ◽  
Dark Matter Halos ◽  
General Properties

We review results from recent high resolution cosmological structure formation simulations, namely the Via Lactea I & II and GHALO projects. These simulations study the formation of Milky Way sized objects within a cosmological framework. We discuss the general properties of cold dark matter halos at redshift z = 0 and focus on new insights into the structure of halos we got due to the unprecedented high resolution in these simulations.

scholarly journals Implications of hydrodynamical simulations for the interpretation of direct dark matter searches

2017 ◽  
Vol 32 (21) ◽  
pp. 1730016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nassim Bozorgnia ◽  
Gianfranco Bertone
Keyword(s):  
Dark Matter ◽  
Velocity Distribution ◽  
Milky Way ◽  
Direct Detection ◽  
Solar Neighborhood ◽  
Reliable Estimate ◽  
The Status ◽  
Hydrodynamical Simulations ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Direct Dark Matter

In recent years, realistic hydrodynamical simulations of galaxies like the Milky Way have become available, enabling a reliable estimate of the dark matter density and velocity distribution in the Solar neighborhood. We review here the status of hydrodynamical simulations and their implications for the interpretation of direct dark matter searches. We focus in particular on: the criteria to identify Milky Way-like galaxies; the impact of baryonic physics on the dark matter velocity distribution; the possible presence of substructures like clumps, streams, or dark disks; and on the implications for the direct detection of dark matter with standard and nonstandard interactions.

scholarly journals To Observe, or Not to Observe, Quantum-Coherent Dark Matter in the Milky Way, That is a Question

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tanja Rindler-Daller
Keyword(s):  
Dark Matter ◽  
Scalar Field ◽  
Structure Formation ◽  
Cold Dark Matter ◽  
Milky Way ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Quantum Mechanical ◽  
Bose Einstein ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Observational Signature

In recent years, Bose-Einstein-condensed dark matter (BEC-DM) has become a popular alternative to standard, collisionless cold dark matter (CDM). This BEC-DM -also called scalar field dark matter (SFDM)- can suppress structure formation and thereby resolve the small-scale crisis of CDM for a range of boson masses. However, these same boson masses also entail implications for BEC-DM substructure within galaxies, especially within our own Milky Way. Observational signature effects of BEC-DM substructure depend upon its unique quantum-mechanical features and have the potential to reveal its presence. Ongoing efforts to determine the dark matter substructure in our Milky Way will continue and expand considerably over the next years. In this contribution, we will discuss some of the existing constraints and potentially new ones with respect to the impact of BEC-DM onto baryonic tracers. Studying dark matter substructure in our Milky Way will soon resolve the question, whether dark matter behaves classical or quantum on scales of ≲ 1 kpc.

scholarly journals SHARP – VII. New constraints on the dark matter free-streaming properties and substructure abundance from gravitationally lensed quasars

2019 ◽  
Vol 492 (2) ◽  
pp. 3047-3059 ◽  
Author(s):  
J-W Hsueh ◽  
W Enzi ◽  
S Vegetti ◽  
M W Auger ◽  
C D Fassnacht ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dark Matter ◽  
Cold Dark Matter ◽  
Complex Structure ◽  
Mass Range ◽  
Recent Analysis ◽  
Confidence Limits ◽  
A Value ◽  
Low Mass ◽  
Hydrodynamical Simulations ◽  
First Time

ABSTRACT We present an analysis of seven strongly gravitationally lensed quasars and the corresponding constraints on the properties of dark matter. Our results are derived by modelling the lensed image positions and flux-ratios using a combination of smooth macro-models and a population of low-mass haloes within the mass range of 106–109 M⊙. Our lens models explicitly include higher order complexity in the form of stellar discs and luminous satellites, as well as low-mass haloes located along the observed lines of sight for the first time. Assuming a cold dark matter (CDM) cosmology, we infer an average total mass fraction in substructure of $f_{\rm sub} = 0.012^{+0.007}_{-0.004}$ (68 per cent confidence limits), which is in agreement with the predictions from CDM hydrodynamical simulations to within 1σ. This result is closer to the predictions than those from previous studies that did not include line-of-sight haloes. Under the assumption of a thermal relic dark matter model, we derive a lower limit on the particle relic mass of mth > 5.58 keV (95 per cent confidence limits), which is consistent with a value of mth > 5.3 keV from the recent analysis of the Ly α forest. We also identify two main sources of possible systematic errors and conclude that deeper investigations in the complex structure of lens galaxies as well as the size of the background sources should be a priority for this field.

scholarly journals The impact of stellar and AGN feedback on halo-scale baryonic and dark matter accretion in the eagle simulations

2020 ◽  
Vol 498 (2) ◽  
pp. 1668-1692 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruby J Wright ◽  
Claudia del P Lagos ◽  
Chris Power ◽  
Peter D Mitchell
Keyword(s):  
Dark Matter ◽  
Active Galactic Nuclei ◽  
Cosmic Time ◽  
Galactic Nuclei ◽  
Gas Content ◽  
Stellar Feedback ◽  
Accretion Rates ◽  
Low Mass ◽  
Hydrodynamical Simulations ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACT We use the eagle suite of hydrodynamical simulations to analyse accretion rates (and the breakdown of their constituent channels) on to haloes over cosmic time, comparing the behaviour of baryons and dark matter (DM). We also investigate the influence of sub-grid baryon physics on halo-scale inflow, specifically the consequences of modelling radiative cooling, as well as feedback from stars and active galactic nuclei (AGNs). We find that variations in halo baryon fractions at fixed mass (particularly their circumgalactic medium gas content) are very well correlated with variations in the baryon fraction of accreting matter, which we show to be heavily suppressed by stellar feedback in low-mass haloes, Mhalo ≲ 1011.5 M⊙. Breaking down accretion rates into first infall, recycled, transfer, and merger components, we show that baryons are much more likely to be smoothly accreted than to have originated from mergers when compared to DM, finding (averaged across halo mass) a merger contribution of $\approx 6{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ for baryons, and $\approx 15{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ for DM at z ≈ 0. We also show that the breakdown of inflow into different channels is strongly dependent on sub-grid physics, particularly the contribution of recycled accretion (accreting matter that has been previously ejected from progenitor haloes). Our findings highlight the dual role that baryonic feedback plays in regulating the evolution of galaxies and haloes: by (i) directly removing gas from haloes, and (ii) suppressing gas inflow to haloes.

scholarly journals High-resolution simulations of dark matter subhalo disruption in a Milky-Way-like tidal field

2020 ◽  
Vol 499 (1) ◽  
pp. 116-128
Author(s):  
Jeremy J Webb ◽  
Jo Bovy
Keyword(s):  
Dark Matter ◽  
High Resolution ◽  
Galaxy Formation ◽  
Cold Dark Matter ◽  
Milky Way ◽  
Initial Conditions ◽  
Dark Matter Particle ◽  
Dark Matter Halo ◽  
Isotropic Distribution ◽  
Stellar Component

ABSTRACT We compare the results of high-resolution simulations of individual dark matter subhaloes evolving in external tidal fields with and without baryonic bulge and disc components, where the average dark matter particle mass is three orders of magnitude smaller than cosmological zoom-in simulations of galaxy formation. The Via Lactea II simulation is used to setup our initial conditions and provides a basis for our simulations of subhaloes in a dark-matter-only tidal field, while an observationally motivated model for the Milky-Way is used for the tidal field that is comprised of a dark matter halo, a stellar disc, and a stellar bulge. Our simulations indicate that including stellar components in the tidal field results in the number of subhaloes in Milky-Way-like galaxies being only $65{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of what is predicted by Λ cold dark matter (ΛCDM). For subhaloes with small pericentres (rp ≲ 25 kpc), the subhalo abundance is reduced further to $40{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$, with the surviving subhaloes being less dense and having a tangentially anisotropic orbital distribution. Conversely, subhaloes with larger pericentres are minimally affected by the inclusion of a stellar component in the tidal field, with the total number of outer subhaloes $\approx 75{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ of the ΛCDM prediction. The densities of outer subhaloes are comparable to predictions from ΛCDM, with the subhaloes having an isotropic distribution of orbits. These ratios are higher than those found in previous studies that include the effects baryonic matter, which are affected by spurious disruption caused by low resolution.

scholarly journals The anisotropy of the power spectrum in periodic cosmological simulations

2021 ◽  
Vol 503 (4) ◽  
pp. 5638-5645
Author(s):  
Gábor Rácz ◽  
István Szapudi ◽  
István Csabai ◽  
László Dobos
Keyword(s):  
Dark Matter ◽  
Power Spectrum ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Cold Dark Matter ◽  
Initial Conditions ◽  
Power Spectra ◽  
Cosmological Simulations ◽  
Spherical Collapse ◽  
Lower Amplitude ◽  
Hydrodynamical Simulations

ABSTRACT The classical gravitational force on a torus is anisotropic and always lower than Newton’s 1/r2 law. We demonstrate the effects of periodicity in dark matter only N-body simulations of spherical collapse and standard Lambda cold dark matter (ΛCDM) initial conditions. Periodic boundary conditions cause an overall negative and anisotropic bias in cosmological simulations of cosmic structure formation. The lower amplitude of power spectra of small periodic simulations is a consequence of the missing large-scale modes and the equally important smaller periodic forces. The effect is most significant when the largest mildly non-linear scales are comparable to the linear size of the simulation box, as often is the case for high-resolution hydrodynamical simulations. Spherical collapse morphs into a shape similar to an octahedron. The anisotropic growth distorts the large-scale ΛCDM dark matter structures. We introduce the direction-dependent power spectrum invariant under the octahedral group of the simulation volume and show that the results break spherical symmetry.

scholarly journals On N-body simulations of globular cluster streams

2021 ◽  
Vol 504 (1) ◽  
pp. 648-653
Author(s):  
Nilanjan Banik ◽  
Jo Bovy
Keyword(s):  
Dark Matter ◽  
Cold Dark Matter ◽  
Analytical Models ◽  
Numerical Density ◽  
Stellar Streams ◽  
Small Scales ◽  
Order Of Magnitude ◽  
Low Mass ◽  
Stream Density ◽  
Tidal Streams

ABSTRACT Stellar tidal streams are sensitive tracers of the properties of the gravitational potential in which they orbit and detailed observations of their density structure can be used to place stringent constraints on fluctuations in the potential caused by, e.g. the expected populations of dark matter subhaloes in the standard cold dark matter (CDM) paradigm. Simulations of the evolution of stellar streams in live N-body haloes without low-mass dark matter subhaloes, however, indicate that streams exhibit significant perturbations on small scales even in the absence of substructure. Here, we demonstrate, using high-resolution N-body simulations combined with sophisticated semi-analytical and simple analytical models, that the mass resolutions of 104–$10^5\, \rm {M}_{\odot }$ commonly used to perform such simulations cause spurious stream density variations with a similar magnitude on large scales as those expected from a CDM-like subhalo population and an order of magnitude larger on small, yet observable, scales. We estimate that mass resolutions of ${\approx}100\, \rm {M}_{\odot }$ (${\approx}1\, \rm {M}_{\odot }$) are necessary for spurious, numerical density variations to be well below the CDM subhalo expectation on large (small) scales. That streams are sensitive to a simulation’s particle mass down to such small masses indicates that streams are sensitive to dark matter clustering down to these low masses if a significant fraction of the dark matter is clustered or concentrated in this way, for example, in MACHO models with masses of 10–$100\, \rm {M}_{\odot }$.

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