Dark Matter Theory

I evaluate the dark matter budget and describe baryonic dark matter candidates and their detectability. Dark matter issues in galaxy formation theory are discussed, and I review the prospects for detecting nonbaryonic dark matter. Indirect detection via halo annihilations of the favored dark matter candidate, the SUSY LSP, provides a potential signal. The relic density of dark matter particles specifies the annihilation cross-section within model uncertainties, and indirect detection provides our optimal strategy for confirming the dark matter candidate. Galaxy formation simulations suggest that the predicted clumpiness of the dark halo will facilitate our imaging the dark matter in gamma rays, with cosmic ray signatures providing invaluable confirmation. Similarly, the supermassive black hole in the center of the Milky Way should present a unique signal amplifier by which we can view the dark matter in neutrinos as well as in gamma rays. The astrophysical uncertainties are so large that one has no alternative but to look.