Hierarchy in the Phase Space and Dark Matter Astronomy – Niayesh Afshordi
Date: Fri. February 12th, 2010, 11:30 am-12:30 pmLocation: Rockefeller 221
Understanding small scale structure in the dark matter distribution is important in interpreting many astrophysical observations, as well as dark matter (direct or indirect) detection searches. With this motivation, I introduce a theoretical framework for describing the rich hierarchy of the phase space of cold dark matter haloes, due to gravitationally bound sub-structures, as well as tidal debris and caustics. I then argue that if/when we detect dark matter particles, a new era of Dark Matter Astronomy will be just around the corner.