Tension between recent dark matter results and Lux-Xenon?

In summary, recent results suggest the existence of a WIMP dark matter particle near 80 Gev, which is compatible with the interpretation of the Galactic center gamma-ray excess. However, there is some skepticism about this claim, as pulsars could also emit similar signals from the core and the assigned 4.3 sigma may not be entirely reliable. The forthcoming LZ experiment may provide more insight into this potential tension between recent AMS-02 results and negative results from Lux and Xenon.
  • #1
jimgraber
Gold Member
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How much tension between recent AMS-02 80 Gev dark matter and Lux-Xenon negative results?
Recent results ( Arxiv 1610.03840 and 1704.08258) suggest a WIMP dark matter particle near 80 Gev. See also https://phys.org/news/2017-05-possibility-cosmic-rays-due-dark.html

If this particle really exists, should we have seen it in recent negative results from Lux and Xenon?

Should we see it in forthcoming LZ experiment?
 
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  • #2
jimgraber said:
How much tension between recent AMS-02 80 Gev dark matter and Lux-Xenon negative results?
Recent results ( Arxiv 1610.03840 and 1704.08258) suggest a WIMP dark matter particle near 80 Gev. See also https://phys.org/news/2017-05-possibility-cosmic-rays-due-dark.html

If this particle really exists, should we have seen it in recent negative results from Lux and Xenon?

Should we see it in forthcoming LZ experiment?

I'm not sure how this claim ties back to the LUX data, but I'm always leery of claims like this:

From the abstract: Intriguingly, this signal is compatible with the DM interpretation of the Galactic center gamma-ray excess.

http://spaceref.com/astronomy/origi...al-dark-matter-signal-may-not-be-so-dark.html

For quite some time it's been known that pulsars could emit the same type of gamma signals from the core, so I take these types of claims with grain of salt, particularly when they assign a 4.3 sigma to the claim. :) I'd assume that they simply didn't try a 'model' with a lot of large pulsars near the core. :)
 

1. What is dark matter and why is it important?

Dark matter is a hypothetical form of matter that is believed to make up about 85% of the total matter in the universe. It does not emit or absorb light, making it invisible to telescopes, and its existence is inferred through its gravitational effects on visible matter. Understanding dark matter is important because it helps explain the structure and evolution of the universe.

2. What are recent dark matter results and how do they contradict the Lux-Xenon experiment?

Recent dark matter results, such as those from the Dark Energy Survey and the Planck satellite, have shown that the amount of dark matter in the universe is lower than previously estimated. This contradicts the results of the Lux-Xenon experiment, which found a higher amount of dark matter in a localized region of the universe. This tension raises questions about our current understanding of dark matter and its distribution in the universe.

3. How does the Lux-Xenon experiment work?

The Lux-Xenon experiment uses a tank of liquid xenon to detect dark matter particles. When a dark matter particle collides with a xenon atom, it produces a small flash of light that is detected by sensitive instruments. By measuring the rate of these collisions, scientists can estimate the amount of dark matter in the area being observed.

4. What are some potential explanations for the tension between recent dark matter results and Lux-Xenon?

There are several potential explanations for the tension between recent dark matter results and Lux-Xenon. One possibility is that there are systematic errors in the experimental methods or data analysis. Another possibility is that dark matter behaves differently in different regions of the universe, leading to variations in the amount detected. It is also possible that our current understanding of dark matter is incomplete and new theories may be needed to reconcile the discrepancies.

5. How can scientists resolve the tension between recent dark matter results and Lux-Xenon?

To resolve the tension between recent dark matter results and Lux-Xenon, scientists will need to continue studying and analyzing data from both sources. This may involve improving experimental methods and reducing uncertainties, as well as considering alternative theories of dark matter. Collaborative efforts between different research groups will also be important in order to gain a more comprehensive understanding of dark matter and its distribution in the universe.

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