New unbiased technique for the measure of the local dark matter density

In summary, Silvia Garbari and her team of astronomers have found evidence of dark matter near the sun. The presence of this mysterious substance could have a number of implications, including the possibility that our galaxy has more of it than previously thought.
  • #1
drrail
5
0
Plenty of Dark Matter Near the Sun

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/08/120809090423.htm

Evidence for dark matter near the sun

"We are 99% confident that there is dark matter near the Sun," says the lead author Silvia Garbari. In fact, if anything, the authors' favored dark matter density is a little high: they find more dark matter than expected at 90% confidence. There is a 10% chance that this is merely a statistical fluke, but if future data confirms this high value the implications are exciting as Silvia explains: "This could be the first evidence for a "disc" of dark matter in our Galaxy, as recently predicted by theory and numerical simulations of galaxy formation, or it could mean that the dark matter halo of our galaxy is squashed, boosting the local dark matter density."

He is 99% confident with a 90% confidence level.
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
  • #2
Thanks for pointing this article out!
Here is a list of papers by Garbari and Lake et al.
http://arxiv.org/find/grp_physics/1/AND+au:+Garbari+au:+Lake/0/1/0/all/0/1
Several are or will be published in MNRAS
Here is a link to one they posted in June:
http://arxiv.org/abs/1206.0015
One of those mentioned in your Science Daily news item is apparently too recent to show up here but perhaps will in a few days.


drrail said:
Plenty of Dark Matter Near the Sun

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/08/120809090423.htm

Evidence for dark matter near the sun

"We are 99% confident that there is dark matter near the Sun," says the lead author Silvia Garbari. In fact, if anything, the authors' favored dark matter density is a little high: they find more dark matter than expected at 90% confidence. There is a 10% chance that this is merely a statistical fluke, but if future data confirms this high value the implications are exciting as Silvia explains: "This could be the first evidence for a "disc" of dark matter in our Galaxy, as recently predicted by theory and numerical simulations of galaxy formation, or it could mean that the dark matter halo of our galaxy is squashed, boosting the local dark matter density."

He is 99% confident with a 90% confidence level.
 
  • #3
drrail said:
He is 99% confident with a 90% confidence level.
No, pay attention:
- "We are 99% confident that there is dark matter ..."
- "... more dark matter than expected at 90% confidence."

But of course if you expected no dark matter then it might sound like that.:wink:
 

1. What is the local dark matter density?

The local dark matter density refers to the amount of dark matter present in a specific region of space, typically around our galaxy, the Milky Way. It is the measure of how much dark matter is concentrated in a particular area.

2. What is the new unbiased technique for measuring the local dark matter density?

The new unbiased technique involves using the observed distribution of stars and their velocities in a galaxy, along with the known laws of gravity, to calculate the gravitational potential and infer the amount of dark matter present in that region.

3. How does this technique differ from previous methods of measuring the local dark matter density?

Previous methods often relied on indirect measurements, such as the rotation of galaxies or the bending of light, which could be affected by other factors. This new technique directly measures the gravitational potential and is not influenced by other factors, providing a more accurate measurement of the local dark matter density.

4. Why is it important to accurately measure the local dark matter density?

Dark matter is thought to make up about 85% of the total matter in the universe, yet its exact nature and distribution are still largely unknown. Accurately measuring the local dark matter density can help us better understand the role of dark matter in galactic and cosmic structures, and potentially lead to new insights into the nature of the universe.

5. What are the potential implications of this new technique?

The new unbiased technique for measuring the local dark matter density could potentially lead to a better understanding of the distribution and properties of dark matter, and help us test and refine current theories of dark matter and gravity. It could also have practical applications in fields such as astrophysics and cosmology, as well as in the search for new physics beyond our current understanding.

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