Determining the dark matter distribution in simulated galaxies with deep learning
Martín de los Rios, Mihael Petač, Bryan Zaldivar, Nina R Bonaventura, Francesca Calore, Fabio Iocco- Space and Planetary Science
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
Abstract
We present a novel method of inferring the Dark Matter (DM) content and spatial distribution within galaxies, using convolutional neural networks (CNNs) trained within state-of-the-art hydrodynamical simulations (Illustris–TNG100). Within the controlled environment of the simulation, the framework we have developed is capable of inferring the DM mass distribution within galaxies of mass ∼1011 – 1013 M⊙ from the gravitationally baryon-dominated internal regions to the DM-rich, baryon-depleted outskirts of the galaxies, with a mean absolute error always below ≈0.25 when using photometrical and spectroscopic information. With respect to traditional methods, the one presented here also possesses the advantages of not relying on a pre-assigned shape for the DM distribution, to be applicable to galaxies not necessarily in isolation, and to perform very well even in the absence of spectroscopic observations.