High resolution observations of dark matter?

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SUMMARY

High-resolution observations of gravitational lensing by dark matter have been discussed, particularly regarding the density maps that reveal variations on scales larger than a galaxy. The documentary referenced highlights a significant image showing gravitational lensing effects, specifically in the context of the Bullet Cluster. The findings indicate that the gravitational lensing does not align with the calculated mass distribution of the galaxy cluster, suggesting that dark matter may not be uniformly clumped at smaller scales.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gravitational lensing principles
  • Familiarity with dark matter theories
  • Knowledge of galaxy cluster dynamics
  • Experience with astronomical imaging techniques
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the Bullet Cluster and its significance in dark matter studies
  • Explore advanced techniques in gravitational lensing analysis
  • Investigate density mapping of dark matter using X-ray and optical data
  • Learn about the implications of dark matter distribution on galaxy formation
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Astronomers, astrophysicists, and researchers interested in dark matter distribution and gravitational lensing phenomena.

Martin Sallberg
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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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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.
 
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.
 

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