Wimp-like stellar models and the subgiant branch

Abstract

WIMP-like isothermal cores in stellar models not only result in reduced main-sequence lifetimes but also lead to such models spending a greater time than conventional models on the subgiant branch. Consequently, if WIMPs are effective in central energy transport, more stars should be seen than conventionally expected in this phase of evolution. While full luminosity functions have yet to be obtained, estimates may be made for two simple bases of comparison, by reference to conventional expectations normalized to red giant branch or main-sequence number densities. Two classical clusters, M3 and M92, appear to have anomalous excesses in their subgiant branches of an order that WIMP-like models can produce. Work needed to verify these preliminary results is indicated.