Abstract

Astrophysical uncertainties in the local dark matter distribution complicate the interpretation of dark matter direct detection data, and prevent a precise determination of the particle physics properties of dark matter. High resolution cosmological simulations of galaxy formation including baryons have recently become possible, and provide important information on the properties of the dark matter halo. I will discuss the dark matter density and velocity distribution of Milky Way-like galaxies extracted from state-of-the-art hydrodynamic simulations. To make reliable predictions for dark matter direct detection, we identify simulated galaxies which satisfy the Milky Way observational constraints. Using the dark matter distribution obtained from the selected Milky Way-like galaxies, I will present an analysis of direct detection data, discuss the possibility of dark disks, and explore possible correlations between the stellar and dark matter velocity distributions.