Upper limits on the dark matter content in globular clusters

TL;DR

This study uses stellar kinematics data and Jeans analysis to set upper limits on dark matter and intermediate mass black holes in nine nearby globular clusters, with no evidence found for either component.

Contribution

It provides the first systematic upper limits on dark matter and IMBH presence in globular clusters using a Jeans modeling approach.

Findings

No evidence for dark matter in the studied globular clusters.

Upper limits on dark matter mass are established.

Upper limits on intermediate mass black holes are reported.

Abstract

We present a systematic analysis on the possible presence of dark mass components inside globular clusters (GCs). A spherical Jeans analysis is applied to the stellar kinematics of 9 nearby GCs. On top of the mass distribution provided by the luminous stellar component, we add either dark matter (DM), described by an NFW mass profile, or an intermediate mass black-hole (IMBH), described by a point-like mass. Their existence would have important implications in the context of indirect DM searches. After profiling over the stellar parameters, we find no evidence neither for DM nor for IMBH. Upper limits on the two components are reported.