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Galactic Potential and Dark Matter Density from Angular Stellar Accelerations.

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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

We can measure the Milky Way potential and dark matter density using stellar angular accelerations from astrometric surveys like Gaia. Future data will improve these measurements for mapping the dark matter profile.

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Area of Science:

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Cosmology
  • Galactic Dynamics

Background:

  • Measuring the Milky Way's gravitational potential is crucial for understanding galactic structure and evolution.
  • Traditional methods often rely on stellar velocities, which provide indirect information about the potential.
  • Astrometric surveys offer new avenues for probing galactic dynamics through stellar accelerations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present a novel method for measuring the Milky Way potential using stellar angular accelerations.
  • To determine the local dark matter density using aggregate stellar acceleration data.
  • To assess the feasibility of future astrometric surveys for precise dark matter density measurements.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing aggregate angular accelerations of stars from astrometric surveys, such as Gaia.
  • Directly probing the gradient of the Milky Way potential through acceleration measurements.
  • Incorporating recent solar acceleration data to constrain local dark matter density.

Main Results:

  • The Milky Way disk potential can be measured with approximately 3σ significance using Gaia stellar acceleration data.
  • The local dark matter density is detected at approximately 2σ significance when solar acceleration is included.
  • Detection significance scales steeply with observing time (t^{5/2}).

Conclusions:

  • Stellar angular accelerations provide a direct and powerful tool for measuring galactic potentials.
  • Future astrometric surveys will significantly enhance the precision of local dark matter density measurements.
  • This approach enables precise mapping of the dark matter density profile in the Milky Way.