Energetic Neutrinos from the Sun and the Earth and the Granularity of the Dark Matter Distribution

超越标准模型的新物理学最引人注目的迹象之一是暗物质的明显存在。然而，人们对暗物质的性质知之甚少。 可能探测暗物质的一个重要方法是通过来自太阳和地球的中微子信号。 然而，PI和合作者最近指出，暗物质分布中存在非平凡结构可能导致中微子信号升高。 在这个项目中，Koushiappas教授的目标是建立一个研究计划，更全面地评估暗物质相空间分布函数的粒度对来自太阳和地球的高能中微子信号的影响。因此，这项提议的主要目标是确定暗物质分布的结构及其速度如何作用于预期的中微子信号。 预计该项目还将产生若干更广泛的影响。除了增加我们对暗物质的理解的智力方面，参与这项研究的研究生将获得独特的技能和广泛的经验，这将为她/他未来的研究生涯做好准备。这项研究的成果还将纳入布朗大学和拉德天文台的定期外联活动。

One of the most compelling indications for new physics beyond the Standard Model is the apparent existence of dark matter. Unfortunately, however, very little is known about the nature of dark matter. One important way of possibly detecting dark matter is through neutrino signals coming from the Sun and the Earth. However, it was recently pointed out by the PI and collaborators that the presence of non-trivial structure in the distribution of dark matter can result in elevated neutrino signals. In this project, Professor Koushiappas aims to establish a research program that will more fully assess the implications of granularity of the phase space distribution function of dark matter on the energetic neutrino signal from the Sun and the Earth. Thus, the main goal of this proposal is to determine how structure in the distribution of dark matter and its velocity acts on the expected neutrino signal. This project is also envisioned to have several broader impacts. Beyond the intellectual aspects of increasing our understanding of dark matter, the graduate student participating in this research will acquire unique skills and a breadth of experience that will prepare her/him well for a future research career. The products of this research will also be incorporated into the regular outreach activities at Brown University and Ladd Observatory.