High resolution observations of dark matter?

In summary, there have been high resolution observations of the gravitational lensing by dark matter, but it is difficult to determine if it is clumped or spread out at small scales. Density maps show variations on scales larger than the size of a galaxy. A recent documentary showed a composite image of the Bullet Cluster, which displayed gravitational lensing on either side instead of the expected center. While not directly answering the question, it is the closest observation to date.
  • #1
Martin Sallberg
20
0
Are there any high resolution observations of the gravitational lensing by dark matter, good enough to determine if dark matter is clumped or spread out at small scales?
 
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  • #2
Hard to know what you have in mind by "small scales". Density maps of DM that I've seen show variations on scales larger than the size of a galaxy.
 
  • #3
I saw something on this in a recent documentary and I managed to find the photo they had shown.

Image: Composite Credit: X-ray: NASA/CXC/CfA/ M.Markevitch et al.;
Lensing Map: NASA/STScI; ESO WFI; Magellan/U.Arizona/ D.Clowe et al.
Optical: NASA/STScI; Magellan/U.Arizona/D.Clowe et al.

http://www.roe.ac.uk/~heymans/website_images/bulletcluster_comp_f2048.jpg

Found on:
http://www.cfhtlens.org/public/what-gravitational-lensing

The argument was that according to the calculated mass of the galaxy cluster, the gravitation lensing should be in the center but instead is shown on either side. Not exactly what you are looking for but the closest they have come so far to my knowledge.
 

1. What is dark matter?

Dark matter is a type of matter that makes up approximately 85% of the total mass of the universe. It does not interact with light, making it invisible to telescopes and other instruments. Its presence is inferred through its gravitational effects on visible matter.

2. How do high resolution observations help us study dark matter?

High resolution observations allow us to map and study the distribution of dark matter in different areas of the universe. By observing the gravitational lensing effects on light from distant objects, we can create maps of where dark matter is located and how it is distributed.

3. What techniques are used to make high resolution observations of dark matter?

There are several techniques used to make high resolution observations of dark matter, including gravitational lensing, galaxy rotation curves, and the study of cosmic microwave background radiation. These techniques allow us to indirectly observe the effects of dark matter on visible matter.

4. How do high resolution observations of dark matter support the existence of dark matter?

High resolution observations provide strong evidence for the existence of dark matter. The observed distribution of dark matter through gravitational lensing and other techniques cannot be explained by visible matter alone. Additionally, these observations are consistent with predictions from theories about the nature of dark matter.

5. What are the potential future advancements in high resolution observations of dark matter?

Future advancements in technology and techniques, such as the use of more powerful telescopes and advanced data analysis methods, will allow us to make even more detailed and precise observations of dark matter. These advancements will help us gain a better understanding of the properties and behavior of dark matter, and potentially lead to new discoveries about the nature of the universe.

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