How do the implications of the "large-scale structure" of the universe, such as the formation of superclusters and voids, challenge our understanding of the properties of dark matter, particularly when considering the possibility of interacting dark matter (SIDM), and how can future surveys, like the EUCLID mission, help resolve tensions between the predictions of cosmological simulations and the actual observations of galactic clustering and void distribution?

The “large-scale structure” (LSS) of the universe refers to the distribution of galaxies, clusters, superclusters, and voids across the cosmos. These structures provide critical insights into the nature of dark matter (DM), as it is thought to play a fundamental role in the formation and evolution of these structures. The presence of dark matter (including various models like cold dark matter (CDM) and self-interacting dark matter (SIDM)) has significant implications for LSS, and discrepancies between the predictions of cosmological simulations and actual observations have raised important questions about the properties of dark matter. Below, I explore how the LSS challenges our understanding of dark matter properties, particularly in the context of SIDM, and how future surveys like the EUCLID mission can help resolve these tensions.

Large-Scale Structure and Dark Matter

• The LSS of the universe includes the formation of galaxy clusters, superclusters, and voids, which are large regions of space with relatively few galaxies. The formation of these structures is governed by the interplay between gravity and the distribution of dark matter. Dark matter is believed to have provided the gravitational scaffolding for the formation of galaxies and clusters, which then evolved into the structures we observe today.

Challenges for Our Understanding of Dark Matter Properties

1. Cold Dark Matter (CDM) and the “Core-Cusp” Problem

• Cold dark matter (CDM) is the leading candidate for dark matter, assuming it interacts weakly with ordinary matter and itself. CDM predicts the formation of cuspy halos—dense, concentrated regions of dark matter at the center of galaxies and clusters.
• However, observations of galactic halos show a core (i.e., a more spread-out, less concentrated distribution of dark matter) rather than the predicted cusp. This discrepancy is known as the core-cusp problem.
• The formation of large-scale structures like superclusters and voids is influenced by the behavior of dark matter at smaller scales. The core-cusp problem raises the possibility that dark matter behaves differently than predicted by standard CDM, particularly in smaller systems like dwarf galaxies.

2. Self-Interacting Dark Matter (SIDM)

• Self-interacting dark matter (SIDM) proposes that dark matter particles interact with each other via a new force, in addition to gravity. These interactions would cause dark matter to redistribute within galaxies and clusters, smoothing out the central density profiles and potentially resolving the core-cusp problem.
• SIDM models predict that dark matter halos should have a less cuspy and more uniform distribution in the centers of galaxies and that they could affect the dynamics of galaxy formation and clustering. This would also influence the observed LSS, particularly in terms of the clustering of galaxies and the distribution of voids.

3. Tension Between Simulations and Observations

• Cosmological simulations based on CDM predict that dark matter should form very dense halos around galaxies, leading to structures like galaxy clusters with a high concentration of dark matter at the center.
• Observations of galaxy clusters and other large-scale structures, however, do not always match these predictions, particularly at smaller scales. This tension points to the possibility that dark matter interactions (such as those in SIDM) might be altering the way galaxies and clusters form, leading to a less concentrated distribution of dark matter and a smoothing of smaller-scale structures.

Role of Future Surveys, Like EUCLID

The EUCLID mission, set to launch in the near future, will be one of the most important tools for resolving tensions between cosmological simulations and observations of large-scale structure. Here’s how it will help:

1. Measuring the Distribution of Galaxies and Clusters

• EUCLID is designed to measure the distribution of galaxies and galaxy clusters across large areas of the sky with great precision. By accurately mapping out the 3D distribution of galaxies and clusters, EUCLID will provide data that can be compared to simulations of structure formation under different dark matter models.
• By comparing the observed distribution of galaxies and clusters to predictions made by simulations using SIDM and CDM, EUCLID will help identify which model most accurately explains the observed data. The mission will offer insights into how dark matter affects the growth of structures at large scales.

2. Constraining Dark Matter Properties

• EUCLID will also help constrain the properties of dark matter, including its interaction rate and mass, by providing detailed data on the growth of cosmic structures and how they evolve over time.
• The mission will focus on measuring the distortions in the cosmic structure due to the presence of dark energy and dark matter. By studying the shape of galaxy clusters and superclusters, voids, and the large-scale distribution of galaxies, EUCLID will help test whether dark matter behaves as predicted by CDM or whether SIDM models are needed to explain the observed discrepancies.

3. Mapping Cosmic Voids and the Impact of Dark Matter

• One of the key areas where SIDM may differ from CDM is in the formation and distribution of voids—large regions of space with very few galaxies.
• SIDM would lead to a different distribution of dark matter in the universe, which in turn would affect the number, size, and distribution of voids. EUCLID‘s precision in mapping these voids will help determine whether the void distribution matches predictions from simulations based on CDM or whether alternative models like SIDM can better explain the observed patterns.

4. Weak Lensing and Gravitational Effects

• EUCLID will measure weak gravitational lensing, where the gravitational influence of large structures (such as galaxy clusters) bends the light from more distant objects. This technique is sensitive to the distribution of dark matter because it measures how dark matter affects the curvature of space-time.
• This will allow EUCLID to provide direct measurements of the dark matter content in galaxy clusters and large-scale structures. The way that dark matter halos are distributed around galaxies and clusters will help constrain whether SIDM or CDM better explains the observed data.

The large-scale structure of the universe presents a critical challenge to our understanding of dark matter, particularly in terms of the formation of superclusters and voids. The tension between predictions from cold dark matter (CDM) simulations and actual observations of galactic clustering and the distribution of voids has led to the exploration of alternative models, such as self-interacting dark matter (SIDM).

Future surveys, particularly the EUCLID mission, will play a pivotal role in resolving these tensions. By providing detailed measurements of the distribution of galaxies, voids, and galaxy clusters, along with weak lensing data, EUCLID will offer new insights into the nature of dark matter, testing the predictions of both SIDM and CDM models. Ultimately, these findings will help to refine our understanding of the cosmological parameters that govern the growth of structures in the universe and lead to a better grasp of dark matter’s role in shaping the cosmos.