ANewAssessment ofDarkMatter in theMilkyWayGalaxy

Through an examination of recent data on the mass distribution and velocity curve of the Milky Way Galaxy, I produce a new estimate of the dark matter distribution, as well as the overall dark matter content, of our galaxy. Initially, I develop a model of the baryonic mass of the galaxy (i.e. luminous matter and interstellar clouds). This model incorporates three components: an exponential stellar disc and a central stellar bulge, based on the TuorlaHeidelberg model, and a gaseous layer, fit to the gas density distribution data of Olling & Merrifield (2001). Secondly, incorporating recent data, I calculate an updated rotational velocity curve for the galaxy as a function of galactocentric radius. Using this velocity curve, I determine total galactic mass as a function of radius and compare this with the baryonic mass model to determine the distribution of dark matter in the galaxy, with improved precision and over a greater spatial range than previous estimates. This calculation results in a radial dark matter density distribution that falls off with large distance in a characteristic fashion. Finally, I show that neutrinos, particles that have often been suggested as a component of dark matter, cannot make up more than a very small amount of the galactic dark matter content