Searching for dark matter in X-rays: how not to check the dark matter origin of a spectral feature

Abstract

In a recent preprint entitled "Searching for dark matter in X-rays: how to check the dark matter origin of a spectral feature" [arXiv:1001.0644v1], the authors have claimed that some archival X-ray data could be used to rule out dark matter in the form of 5-keV sterile neutrinos at the level of 20 sigma. Unfortunately, the limit was derived incorrectly. We point out the shortcomings of this analysis and show that the tentative detection of a spectral feature consistent with a 5-keV sterile neutrino is not in contradiction with existing limits. Future observations of dwarf spheroidal galaxies will test this hypothesis.