Abstract: Dark matter makes up a quarter of the mass-energy budget of the Universe, yet its true identity remains a mystery. While traditional particle experiments, including particle colliders like the LHC, are the best-known testers of dark- matter physics, the potential for astronomy to weigh in on dark-matter properties is enormous. In this talk, I discuss particle models for dark matter, and how we can use astronomical observations to probe the fundamental particle properties of dark matter. In particular, I will focus on the collisions of the large galaxy clusters, and show what can be learned about the nature of dark matter from these massive particle colliders in the sky.
Particle Colliders in the Sky
Annika Peter (UC Irvine/Ohio State) // October 24, 2016
Abstract: Dark matter makes up a quarter of the mass-energy budget of the Universe, yet its true identity remains a mystery. While traditional particle experiments, including particle colliders like the LHC, are the best-known testers of dark- matter physics, the potential for astronomy to weigh in on dark-matter properties is enormous. In this talk, I discuss particle models for dark matter, and how we can use astronomical observations to probe the fundamental particle properties of dark matter. In particular, I will focus on the collisions of the large galaxy clusters, and show what can be learned about the nature of dark matter from these massive particle colliders in the sky.