Are observations of the galaxy cluster Abell 1689 consistent with a neutrino dark matter scenario?

TL;DR

This paper models galaxy cluster Abell 1689 using neutrino dark matter, suggesting neutrinos of about 1.5 eV could explain observed lensing data, with implications for upcoming experiments.

Contribution

It proposes a neutrino dark matter scenario with specific mass estimates that fit lensing data, integrating quantum degeneracy effects within galaxy clusters.

Findings

Neutrinos of approximately 1.5 eV mass fit the lensing data.

Degenerate fermion core extends to about 430 kpc.

The proposed neutrino mass range will be tested by the KATRIN experiment.

Abstract

Recent weak and strong lensing data of the galaxy cluster A1689 are modelled by dark fermions that are quantum degenerate within some core. The gas density, deduced from X-ray observations up to 1 Mpc and obeying a cored power law, is taken as input, while the galaxy mass density is modelled. An additional dark matter tail may arise from cold or warm dark matter, axions or non-degenerate neutrinos. The fit yields that the fermions are degenerate within a 430 kpc radius. The fermion mass is a few eV and the best case involves 3 active plus 3 sterile neutrinos of equal mass, for which we deduce $1.51 \pm 0.04$ eV. The eV mass range will be tested in the KATRIN experiment.