Detecting mirror matter on Earth via its thermal imprint on ordinary matter

Abstract

Mirror matter type dark matter can exist on the Earth's surface, potentially in enhanced concentrations at various anomalous impact sites. Mirror matter fragments can draw in heat from the ordinary matter environment, radiate mirror photons and thereby cool the surrounding ordinary matter. We quantify this effect and suggest that it could be used to help locate mirror matter deposits. This method, together with the centrifuge technique, seems to provide the most promising means to experimentally detect mirror matter type dark matter in the Earth.