The Genealogy of the Milky Way and the Search for the Missing Dark Matter - Chalk Talk by Lina Necib

Explore the fascinating genealogy of the Milky Way and the ongoing search for dark matter in this engaging 57-minute chalk talk by astroparticle physicist Lina Necib. Discover how galaxies grow through mergers, including the Milky Way's collision with the Enceladus galaxy 10 billion years ago. Learn about the implications of these mergers on dark matter dynamics and detection efforts. Witness stunning simulations of galactic mergers and gain insights into the mysterious dark matter that comprises 86% of the local universe. Delve into Necib's research on correlating dark matter dynamics with stellar movements in the Milky Way, and understand how the Gaia telescope and other surveys contribute to mapping our galaxy's family tree and dark matter profile. This talk, part of the Friends of KITP Chalk Talk series, offers an accessible yet in-depth look at cutting-edge astrophysics research and its impact on our understanding of the universe.