The Futile Search for Galactic Disk Dark Matter

Abstract

Several approaches have been used to search for dark matter in our galactic disk, but with mixed results: {\em maybe yes and maybe no}. The prevailing approach, integrating the Poisson-Boltzmann equation for tracer stars, has led to more definitive results: {\em yes and no}. The touchstone {\em yes} analysis of Bahcall et al. (1992) has subsequently been confirmed or refuted by various other investigators. This has been our motivation for approaching the search from a different direction: applying the Virial Theorem to extant data. We conclude that the vertical density profile of the disk is not in a state of equilbrium and, therefore, that the Poisson-Boltzmann approach is inappropriate and it thereby leads to indefensible conclusions.