Dark Matter spikes around Sgr A* in $\gamma$-rays

TL;DR

This study uses gamma-ray data from H.E.S.S. observations of Sgr A* to set new limits on dark matter annihilation, considering uncertainties in the galactic halo and spike profiles, with the strongest constraints for multi-TeV dark matter masses.

Contribution

It provides novel limits on dark matter annihilation cross-section by analyzing gamma-ray data, accounting for uncertainties in halo and spike profiles, improving constraints for high-mass dark matter.

Findings

Limits are strongest for dark matter masses above a few TeV.

Constraints depend on the halo profile shape and spike heating.

Study advances understanding of how galactic knowledge impacts dark matter properties.

Abstract

We use H.E.S.S. $\gamma$-ray observations of Sgr A* to derive novel limits on the Dark Matter (DM) annihilation cross-section. We quantify their dependence on uncertainties i) in the DM halo profile, which we vary from peaked to cored, and ii) in the shape of the DM spike around Sgr A*, dynamically heated by the nuclear star cluster. For peaked halo profiles and depending on the heating of the spike, our limits are the strongest existing ones for DM masses above a few TeV. Our study contributes to assessing the influence of the advancements in our knowledge of the Milky Way on determining the properties of DM particles.