Astrometric Detection of Ultralight Dark Matter

Explore groundbreaking research in a physics seminar where University of Florida's Sarunas Verner presents a novel approach to detecting ultralight dark matter through astrometric measurements. Delve into the complex relationship between dark matter and spacetime metric perturbations, understanding how these variations can be observed through careful study of celestial bodies. Learn about the methodology of calculating spacetime metrics under scalar dark matter influence and discover how these perturbations affect the apparent motion of astronomical objects. Examine the specific application of this technique to quasar position measurements, which serve as ideal candidates for detecting dark matter particles with masses as low as 10^{-33} eV due to their extreme distances from Earth. Gain insights into the potential of very long baseline interferometry and optical astrometric surveys as tools for identifying ultralight relics in our universe.