Is Dark Matter Composed of Low-Mass Particles?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the composition of dark matter and its relationship with particle mass. It concludes that the diffused distribution of dark matter does not necessarily imply it is composed of low-mass particles. While "thermal freeze out" dark matter suggests a relationship between mass and mean-velocity, it is unlikely that dark matter fits this model. Current research indicates that dark matter candidates can range from 10 GeV to asteroid mass, with no strong constraints on particle mass.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of dark matter theories
  • Familiarity with particle physics concepts
  • Knowledge of large scale structure in cosmology
  • Basic grasp of "thermal freeze out" mechanisms
NEXT STEPS
  • Research dark matter particle candidates and their mass ranges
  • Explore the implications of collisionless dark matter
  • Study the relationship between mass and mean-velocity in dark matter
  • Investigate alternative models of dark matter beyond "thermal freeze out"
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, physicists, and researchers interested in cosmology and the fundamental nature of dark matter.

Ranku
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Does the diffused distribution of dark matter as halos over galaxies imply dark matter is made up of low-mass particles?
 
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No.

Assuming, that dark matter particles are "collisionless" there is very little constraint regarding particle mass.

For a "thermal freeze out" sub-type of dark matter there is a viral relationship between mass and mean-velocity of dark matter, this puts a lower and upper bound on dark matter mass from the extent of large scale structure in this scenario. But, there is no likelihood that dark matter is "thermal freeze out" dark matter.

But, in the general case there are not strong limits. Dark matter candidate papers range from candidates with 10-26 GeV and up to at least asteroid mass.
 
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