Dark Matter Sub-Halo Counts via Star Stream Crossings

TL;DR

This paper estimates the rate at which dark matter sub-halos create observable gaps in stellar streams, providing a method to infer sub-halo populations in galactic halos based on stream gap observations.

Contribution

It introduces a new integral calculation for sub-halo stream crossings and relates gap creation rates to observable stream properties, aligning with CDM predictions.

Findings

Gap creation rate matches CDM predictions

Estimated 10^5 sub-halos above 10^5 M_sun in galactic halos

Observed gap densities are consistent with theoretical models

Abstract

Dark matter sub-halos create gaps in the stellar streams orbiting in the halos of galaxies. We evaluate the sub-halo stream crossing integral with the guidance of simulations to find that the linear rate of gap creation, R_gap, in a typical Cold Dark Matter (CDM) galactic halo at 100 kpc is R_gap = 0.0066 M_8^-0.35 kpc^-1 Gyr^-1$, where M_8 = M/10^8 M_sun, is the minimum mass halo that creates a visible gap. The relation can be recast entirely in terms of observables, as R_gap= 0.059 w^-0.85 kpc^-1 Gyr^-1, for w in kpc, normalized at 100 kpc. Using published data, the density of gaps is estimated for M31's NW stream and the Milky Way Pal 5 stream, Orphan stream, and Eastern Banded Structure. The estimated rates of gap creation all have errors of 50% or more due to uncertain dynamical ages and the relatively noisy stream density measurements. The gap rate-width data are in good agreement with the CDM predicted relation. The high density of gaps in the narrow streams require a total halo population of 10^5 sub-halos above a minimum mass of 10^5 M_sun.