Light from Darkness: Indirect Dark Matter Searches with High-Energy Astrophysics

Abstract
Dark matter is a fundamental component of the Universe and the second-largest contributor to its energy density. It governs the dynamics of celestial objects on both large and small scales, from galaxy clusters to individual galaxies. Yet, despite being one of the most active research topics in astroparticle physics and observational cosmology, its nature remains elusive.
Phenomenological and theoretical evidence suggests that dark matter could be a new particle—such as a WIMP or an axion or a sterile neutrino—or even an exotic celestial object like primordial black holes. In this seminar, after reviewing the observational evidence for dark matter’s presence in the cosmos, I will discuss the indirect search for its potential electromagnetic signals at high energies (X-rays and gamma rays). These signals may arise from the decay or annihilation of candidate dark matter particles and objects, spanning WIMPs, sterile neutrinos, axions, and primordial black holes.