The DarkStars code: a publicly available dark stellar evolution package

TL;DR

DarkStars is a publicly available stellar evolution code that models WIMP capture and annihilation effects in stars, incorporating detailed microphysics and various WIMP velocity distributions.

Contribution

It is the most comprehensive dark stellar evolution code to date, integrating advanced WIMP physics with stellar evolution modeling.

Findings

Includes extensive WIMP microphysics

Models dark stars at the Galactic centre

Employs detailed capture and energy transport schemes

Abstract

We announce the public release of the 'dark' stellar evolution code DarkStars. The code simultaneously solves the equations of WIMP capture and annihilation in a star with those of stellar evolution assuming approximate hydrostatic equilibrium. DarkStars includes the most extensive WIMP microphysics of any dark evolution code to date. The code employs detailed treatments of the capture process from a range of WIMP velocity distributions, as well as composite WIMP distribution and conductive energy transport schemes based on the WIMP mean-free path in the star. We give a brief description of the input physics and practical usage of the code, as well as examples of its application to dark stars at the Galactic centre.