  Recently the PAMELA satellite-based experiment reported an excess of galactic
positrons that could be a signal of annihilating dark matter. The PAMELA data
may admit an interpretation as a signal from a wino-like LSP of mass about 200
GeV, normalized to the local relic density, and annihilating mainly into
W-bosons. This possibility requires the current conventional estimate for the
energy loss rate of positrons be too large by roughly a factor of five. Data
from anti-protons and gamma rays also provide tension with this interpretation,
but there are significant astrophysical uncertainties associated with their
propagation. It is not unreasonable to take this well-motivated candidate
seriously, at present, in part because it can be tested in several ways soon.
The forthcoming PAMELA data on higher energy positrons and the FGST (formerly
GLAST) data, should provide important clues as to whether this scenario is
correct. If correct, the wino interpretation implies a cosmological history in
which the dark matter does not originate in thermal equilibrium.
