Speaker
Description
In this work we derive limits on the WIMP-nucleon scattering cross-section by
comparing the potential heat flow within the Earth from Dark Matter capture and
subsequent annihilation to the observational value. This effect has been argued
previously in the literature to provide a potential link to mass extinction phenomena
on Earth. However, we focus on whether additional heat-flux from dark matter
annihilations within the Martian core could have affected the decay of its
geodynamo, and thus precipitated its magnetic field loss. We determine that
Xenon1T limits on the WIMP nucleon cross-sections do not allow sufficient heating
to significantly affect either Earth or Mars. We then use this to determine the local
dark matter density and the density of a dark matter sub-halo that would support a
significant effect given these limits. In addition, we have extended previous work on
this topic by including resonant collisional effects, considering the impact of Xenon1T
limits, and by considering possible effects on the evolution of the Martian
geodynamo. We have lastly presented the possibility of Mars coming into contact
with such a sub-halo.
