The Core-Cusp Problem

TL;DR

This paper reviews the core-cusp problem, highlighting the discrepancy between observed constant dark matter densities in galaxy centers and the steep profiles predicted by simulations, emphasizing its unresolved status in cosmology.

Contribution

It provides an overview of observational and simulation efforts addressing the core-cusp problem, emphasizing the ongoing challenge in reconciling these differences.

Findings

Observations suggest constant dark matter density in galaxy centers.

Simulations predict steep, cusp-like dark matter profiles.

The core-cusp problem remains unresolved in cosmology.

Abstract

This paper gives an overview of the attempts to determine the distribution of dark matter in low surface brightness disk and gas-rich dwarf galaxies, both through observations and computer simulations. Observations seem to indicate an approximately constant dark matter density in the inner parts of galaxies, while cosmological computer simulations indicate a steep power-law-like behaviour. This difference has become known as the "core/cusp problem", and remains one of the unsolved problems in small-scale cosmology.