Snowmass2021: Vera C. Rubin Observatory as a Flagship Dark Matter Experiment

TL;DR

The paper advocates for using the Vera C. Rubin Observatory's LSST as a flagship experiment to advance empirical dark matter research through a coordinated, collaborative effort leveraging existing infrastructure.

Contribution

It proposes establishing a large collaborative dark matter research program with Rubin LSST, integrating astronomical observations into the broader dark matter investigation landscape.

Findings

Rubin LSST can serve as a key dark matter experiment.

Collaborative efforts are essential for advancing dark matter understanding.

Supports existing high-priority dark matter science goals.

Abstract

Establishing that Vera C. Rubin Observatory is a flagship dark matter experiment is an essential pathway toward understanding the physical nature of dark matter. In the past two decades, wide-field astronomical surveys and terrestrial laboratories have jointly created a phase transition in the ecosystem of dark matter models and probes. Going forward, any robust understanding of dark matter requires astronomical observations, which still provide the only empirical evidence for dark matter to date. We have a unique opportunity right now to create a dark matter experiment with Rubin Observatory Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST). This experiment will be a coordinated effort to perform dark matter research, and provide a large collaborative team of scientists with the necessary organizational and funding supports. This approach leverages existing investments in Rubin. Studies of dark matter with Rubin LSST will also guide the design of, and confirm the results from, other dark matter experiments. Supporting a collaborative team to carry out a dark matter experiment with Rubin LSST is the key to achieving the dark matter science goals that have already been identified as high priority by the high-energy physics and astronomy communities.