Dark Matter Clusters and Time Correlations in Direct Detection Experiments

Abstract

Assuming that dark matter (DM) efficiently clusters on various scales we analyse the possible impact on direct DM searches. For certain sizes and densities of DM clusters, mutual detector-cluster encounters may occur only once a year or every several years leading to the apparent failure of individual experiments searching for DM to discover it. If, however, encounters with Earth size and up to $10^4$ times bigger clusters occur about once a year, then finding time correlations between events in different underground detectors can lead to DM discovery.