WIMP Dark Matter Searches in Reticulum II Using MeerKAT

TL;DR

This study uses the MeerKAT radio telescope to search for WIMP dark matter signatures in the Reticulum II dwarf galaxy, setting new constraints and demonstrating the potential of radio astronomy in dark matter detection.

Contribution

First application of MeerKAT data to WIMP searches in Reticulum II, improving constraints and showcasing radio telescopes' capabilities in dark matter research.

Findings

Established new constraints on WIMP properties

Demonstrated MeerKAT's sensitivity for dark matter searches

Highlighted the potential of next-generation radio telescopes

Abstract

In the last decade radio astronomy has emerged as a powerful technique for detecting signatures of Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs). Dwarf spheroidal galaxies (dSphs) are particularly promising targets for these searches due to their substantial dark matter (DM) dominance and minimal baryonic background emission. In this study, we utilize the exceptional sensitivity of the MeerKAT radio telescope to search for synchrotron emission from WIMP annihilation/decay in the nearby Reticulum II dSph. Through rigorous data reduction and self-calibration, we establish constraints on WIMP properties that improve upon previous radio studies, demonstrating the potential of MeerKAT and next-generation radio telescopes in exploring increasing swathes of the WIMP parameter space.