Faint and Extended Galaxies as Probes for Understanding the Nature of Dark Matter Particles
Listed in
This article is not in any list yet, why not save it to one of your lists.Abstract
Dark matter remains one of the most enigmatic components of the universe, constituting approximately 27% of its total mass-energy content, yet its fundamental nature is still poorly understood. This study investigates the role of faint and extended galaxies, particularly dwarf galaxies and low surface brightness galaxies, as critical probes for elucidating the properties of dark matter particles. By employing a comprehensive methodology that integrates observational data analysis from reputable astronomical surveys, including the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS), the Hubble Space Telescope (HST), and the Dark Energy Survey (DES), this research aims to uncover the relationships between the observed properties of these galaxies and the characteristics of dark matter. Key findings reveal that faint galaxies exhibit significantly higher mass-to-light ratios, averaging approximately M/L≈20M/L \approx 20M/L≈20, indicating a substantial dark matter component that is not accounted for by visible stellar matter. This elevated mass-to-light ratio suggests that these galaxies possess unique structural and dynamical properties influenced by their dark matter content, challenging traditional views of galaxy formation. Furthermore, the analysis of rotation curves demonstrates a predominantly flat profile across the majority of the selected galaxies, reinforcing the notion that dark matter plays a crucial role in maintaining the observed velocities of stars and gas in the outer regions of these systems.The study also derives halo mass functions that exhibit strong consistency with predictions from the cold dark matter (CDM) model, indicating that faint galaxies can effectively trace the underlying dark matter distribution in the universe. Additionally, significant correlations between galaxy morphology and dark matter density profiles were observed, with irregular galaxies showing higher dark matter concentrations, suggesting that gravitational interactions during their formation may have influenced both their structure and dark matter content.Overall, this research underscores the importance of faint and extended galaxies as vital components in the quest to understand dark matter. The findings not only enhance our comprehension of the relationship between these galaxies and dark matter but also highlight the need for continued exploration in this area. Future investigations leveraging advanced observational tools and theoretical models will be essential for unraveling the mysteries of dark matter and its profound influence on the cosmos.