On the Ejection of Dark Matter from Globular Clusters

TL;DR

This paper analytically examines whether dark matter particles can be ejected from globular clusters during stellar encounters, concluding that such mechanisms are insufficient to remove massive dark matter halos, challenging certain formation theories.

Contribution

It provides an analytical assessment of dark matter ejection mechanisms in globular clusters, questioning the dark matter halo formation scenario.

Findings

Ejection of dark matter halos via stellar encounters is inefficient.

Globular clusters likely retain their dark matter halos.

Results challenge the idea that globular clusters formed within dark matter halos.

Abstract

We investigate analytically whether in a close encounter with a star, a Dark Matter particle can be accelerated above the escape speed of a Globular Cluster and be ejected. We find that this mechanism is not sufficient to eject a massive, extended Dark Matter halo by the present time. Combined with observations of isolated Globular Clusters that may not have had their halos tidally stripped, these results cast doubt on the scenario in which Globular Clusters formed in Dark Matter halos.