IceCube Search for Dark Matter Annihilation in nearby Galaxies and Galaxy Clusters

We present the results of a first search for self-annihilating dark matter in nearby galaxies and galaxy clusters using a sample of high-energy neutrinos acquired in 339.8 days of live time during 2009/10 with the IceCube neutrino observatory in its 59-string configuration. The targets of interest include the Virgo and Coma galaxy clusters, the Andromeda galaxy, and several dwarf galaxies. We obtain upper limits on the cross section as a function of the weakly interacting massive particle mass between 300 GeV and 100 TeV for the annihilation into bb¯, W+W-, τ+τ-, μ+μ-, and νν¯. A limit derived for the Virgo cluster, when assuming a large effect from subhalos, challenges the weakly interacting massive particle interpretation of a recently observed GeV positron excess in cosmic rays.

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10 pages, 9 figures

95.35.+d
95.85.Ry
galaxy: cluster
dark matter: annihilation
WIMP: mass
IceCube
neutrino: energy: high
VIRGO
halo
cosmic radiation

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Figures(7)

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