Illuminating the Darkest Galaxies

TL;DR

This paper discusses how studying low luminosity dwarf galaxies through stellar kinematics can provide critical insights into dark matter properties, highlighting current methods and future prospects with upcoming observational facilities.

Contribution

It reviews current and future techniques for testing dark matter theories using stellar kinematics in dwarf galaxies, emphasizing the potential of upcoming observational improvements.

Findings

Current constraints on dark matter from dwarf galaxies.

Potential of future facilities to improve kinematic measurements.

Three key tests: satellite counts, annihilation signals, and density profiles.

Abstract

Low luminosity dwarf galaxies provide stringent constraints on the nature of dark matter. Establishing these constraints depends on precise kinematic measurements of individual stars. In this overview for non-specialists, we describe current and future prospects for three unique tests of dark matter using resolved stellar kinematics in low luminosity galaxies: the overall number of satellite galaxies around the Milky Way, dark-matter annihilation radiation from dwarf galaxies, and their internal density profiles. We then assess the prospects for meaningfully testing theories of dark matter based on the improved kinematic precision expected from upcoming facilities.