= Dark-matter indirect detection
= Indirect detection of dark matter
{synonym}
<Dark-matter indirect detection> searches for ordinary particles or <radiation> produced by hypothetical dark-matter annihilation or decay. Candidate signals include <gamma rays>, neutrinos and charged <cosmic rays>.
An annihilation rate is typically proportional to the square of dark-matter density, while a <decay rate> is proportional to density. Predicted signals therefore depend on both particle properties and the distribution of <dark matter> along the <line of sight>. Astrophysical sources can produce similar <radiation>, so a spectral excess alone is not a unique identification. Consistent spatial, spectral and multi-messenger evidence is needed to distinguish a proposed signal from backgrounds.
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