Upper limit for gamma-ray emission above 140 GeV from the dwarf spheroidal galaxy Draco

TL;DR

This study used the MAGIC telescope to set an upper limit on gamma-ray emission above 140 GeV from the dwarf galaxy Draco, constraining certain dark matter models.

Contribution

First observational upper limit on high-energy gamma-ray flux from Draco, informing dark matter annihilation models.

Findings

Flux upper limit of 1.1x10^-11 photons cm^-2 sec^-1 above 140 GeV

High flux enhancements in supersymmetric models are ruled out

Results do not constrain the mSUGRA phase parameter space

Abstract

The nearby dwarf spheroidal galaxy Draco with its high mass to light ratio is one of the most auspicious targets for indirect dark matter searches. Annihilation of hypothetical DM particles can result in high-energy gamma-rays, e.g. from neutralino annihilation in the supersymmetric framework. With the MAGIC telescope a search for a possible DM signal originating from Draco was performed during 2007. The analysis of the data results in a flux upper limit of 1.1x10^-11 photons cm^-2 sec^-1 for photon energies above 140 GeV, assuming a point like source. Furthermore, a comparison with predictions from supersymmetric models is given. While our results do not constrain the mSUGRA phase parameter space, a very high flux enhancement can be ruled out.