Probing the Dark Matter Distribution in the Milky Way

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One of the most exciting puzzles in our understanding of the Universe is the dark matter problem. The ordinary matter in our bodies, planets, and stars makes up only about 15% of the total matter content of the Universe. The mysterious dark matter makes up the other 85%. All evidence for dark matter comes from its gravitational interaction with ordinary matter. However, the nature and distribution of dark matter in the Universe still remain unknown. A variety of experiments, ranging from underground detectors to space observatories, are currently operating around the globe in search of the elusive dark matter particle. Correct interpretation of their results requires a deep understanding of how dark matter is distributed in our Galaxy, yet this knowledge is currently lacking. Hence, significant uncertainties are introduced when analyzing the results of dark matter experiments. To overcome these astrophysical uncertainties, I propose to map the dark matter content in our Galaxy, and employ this map to unravel the particle nature of dark matter. We are living in an exciting era to search for dark matter. The recent data from the Gaia space observatory has revolutionized our understanding of the Milky Way, and can provide us with crucial information on the dark matter distribution. Furthermore, there have been many recent advances in high resolution cosmological simulations of galaxy formation, and they can now produce realistic galaxies. My research aims to capitalize on the availability of these data in order to understand and probe the dark matter distribution in the Milky Way. My proposal has three specific aims that will address the problem of astrophysical uncertainties in dark matter searches. The first aim is to use the results of different high resolution cosmological simulations to extract the dark matter distribution from Milky Way-like galaxies. I will achieve this by identifying simulated galaxies that are similar to the Milky Way, and calculating the number and velocities of their dark matter particles. The second aim is to use new publicly available astronomical data from the Gaia satellite, together with novel numerical techniques, to determine the dark matter distribution in the Milky Way. This will be done by identifying the changes in the position and velocity of stars due to their gravitational interaction with dark matter clumps. The third aim is to identify new ways to probe the dark matter distribution with future directional dark matter detectors. More specifically, I will study how the Earth's motion through the Milky Way can cause most of the dark matter to arrive in our labs from one particular direction. My research program will shed light on the distribution of dark matter in our Galaxy, its mass, and the way it interacts with ordinary matter. It will lead to an accurate interpretation of the results of dark matter experiments, and will allow us to determine the particle physics properties of dark matter.