First data from DM-Ice17
Astrophysical observations have provided convincing evidence for the existence of dark matter, yet direct observation of the dark matter particles has not been conclusively established. DAMA experiment claimed to have observed the annual modulation signal of dark matter using NaI detectors at the Gran Sasso Lab in Italy. The DM-Ice project aims to conclusively test this claim with a new detector array at the South Pole. It will be one of the first direct dark matter detection experiments in the southern hemisphere. DM-Ice17 is a prototype 17 kg NaI detector deployed in the South Pole ice. The speaker will report first data collected with the detector and discuss R&D progress and prospects of the full scale DM-Ice detector.