Faint and Extended Galaxies as Probes for Understanding the Nature of Dark Matter Particles

This study delves into the complex nature of dark matter, a fundamental yet poorly understood component of the universe that constitutes approximately 27% of its total mass-energy content. By focusing on faint and extended galaxies specifically dwarf galaxies and low surface brightness galaxies this research aims to elucidate the properties of dark matter particles. Utilizing a comprehensive methodology that integrates observational data from reputable astronomical surveys, including the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS), the Hubble Space Telescope (HST), and the Dark Energy Survey (DES), the study investigates the relationships between the observed characteristics of these galaxies and the underlying dark matter properties. Key findings reveal that faint galaxies exhibit significantly higher mass-to-light ratios, averaging approximately M/L ≈ 20. This elevated mass-to-light ratio suggests a substantial dark matter component that is not accounted for by visible stellar matter, indicating that these galaxies possess unique structural and dynamical properties influenced by their dark matter content. The analysis of rotation curves demonstrates predominantly flat profiles across the majority of the selected galaxies, reinforcing the notion that dark matter plays a crucial role in maintaining the observed velocities of stars and gas in the outer regions of these systems. Additionally, the study derives halo mass functions that exhibit strong consistency with predictions from the cold dark matter (CDM) model, indicating that faint galaxies can effectively trace the underlying dark matter distribution in the universe. Significant correlations between galaxy morphology and dark matter density profiles were observed, with irregular galaxies showing higher dark matter concentrations. This suggests that gravitational interactions during their formation may have influenced both their structure and dark matter content. The implications of these findings extend beyond the individual characteristics of faint galaxies, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between baryonic matter and dark matter in shaping the universe. The results challenge traditional views of galaxy formation, suggesting that faint galaxies are not merely scaled-down versions of brighter galaxies but rather possess unique properties that are essential for probing dark matter.