We present the results of a first search for self-annihilating dark matter in nearby galaxies and galaxy clusters using a sample of high-energy neutrinos acquired in 339.8 days of live time during 2009/10 with the IceCube neutrino observatory in its 59-string configuration. The targets of interest include the Virgo and Coma galaxy clusters, the Andromeda galaxy, and several dwarf galaxies. We obtain upper limits on the cross section as a function of the weakly interacting massive particle mass between 300 GeV and 100 TeV for the annihilation into $b\overline{b}$, $W^{+}{W}^{-}$, ${\tau }^{+}{\tau }^{-}$, ${\mu }^{+}{\mu }^{-}$, and $\nu \overline{\nu }$. A limit derived for the Virgo cluster, when assuming a large effect from subhalos, challenges the weakly interacting massive particle interpretation of a recently observed GeV positron excess in cosmic rays.

• Received 12 July 2013

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.88.122001