Velocity-Dependent Dark Matter Annihilation from Simulations, and 3D Modeling of the Interstellar Medium of the Milky Way

Abstract

This dissertation is composed of two main research topics: velocity-dependent dark matter (DM) annihilation from simulations, and 3D modeling of the interstellar medium of the Milky Way (MW). The former has been my focus of research for the last four years, and has resulted in the three papers discussed in this dissertation. We have performed numerical calculations of J -factors using hydrodynamical simulations of galaxies from the Auriga and APOSTLE simulations. My first project involves calculations of velocity-dependent line-of-sight J -factors for the smooth DM halo component of MW-like galaxies. We also determine that the DM relative velocity distribution can be modeled using a Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution. My second project includes the velocity-dependent annihilation radiation from DM substructure, or subhalos, within the Auriga simulations. My third project focuses on the velocity-dependent DM annihilation from dwarf spheroidal (dSph) analogues within the APOSTLE simulations. In my fourth project, we are currently working to extend this research to examine the velocity-dependent J -factors of the Andromeda galaxy (M31). We hope to compare these J -factors to the extended γ-ray emission detected from M31. Another project that I am working on involves creating a 3D model of the interstellar radiation field (ISRF) of the MW. We plan for this model to include large-scale structures, such as spiral arms and the bar, as well as details of the stellar and dust distribution in the MW. My contribution to the project is a 3D completeness model of OB stars in Gaia DR3.