If the galactic halo is composed of weakly interacting massive particles (WIMP’s), then cryogenic experiments may be capable of detecting the recoil of nuclei struck by the WIMP’s. Earth’s motion relative to the galactic halo produces a seasonal modulation in the expected event rate. The direction of nuclear recoil has a strong angular dependence that also can be used to confirm the detection of WIMP’s. I calculate the angular dependence and the amplitude of the seasonal modulation for an isothermal halo model.

• Received 21 September 1987

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.37.1353