Searching for Dark Matter Annihilation in M87

TL;DR

This study models the multiwavelength emission from M87 to search for dark matter annihilation signals, improving detection limits by accounting for astrophysical backgrounds and inverse Compton losses.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive spectral energy distribution model for M87 that incorporates dark matter annihilation scenarios with detailed inverse Compton loss treatment.

Findings

Enhanced dark matter detection limits using the new model.

Multiwavelength data constrains dark matter annihilation scenarios.

Model fits improve understanding of astrophysical backgrounds.

Abstract

Clusters of galaxies, such as the Virgo cluster, host enormous quantities of dark matter, making them prime targets for efforts in indirect dark matter detection via potential radiative signatures from annihilation of dark matter particles and subsequent radiative losses of annihilation products. However, a careful study of ubiquitous astrophysical backgrounds is mandatory to single out potential evidence for dark matter annihilation. Here, we construct a multiwavelength spectral energy distribution for the central radio galaxy in the Virgo cluster, M87, using a state-of-the-art numerical Synchrotron Self Compton approach. Fitting recent Chandra, Fermi-LAT and Cherenkov observations, we probe different dark matter annihilation scenarios including a full treatment of the inverse Compton losses from electrons and positrons produced in the annihilation. It is shown that such a template can substantially improve upon existing dark matter detection limits.