Separating astrophysical sources from indirect dark matter signals
  Indirect searches for products of dark matter annihilation and decay face the
challenge of identifying an uncertain and subdominant signal in the presence of
uncertain backgrounds. Two valuable approaches to this problem are (1) using
analysis methods which take advantage of different features in the energy
spectrum and angular distribution of the signal and backgrounds, and (2) more
accurate characterization of backgrounds, which allows for more robust
identification of possible signals. These two approaches are complementary and
can be significantly strengthened when used together. I review the status of
indirect searches with gamma rays using two promising targets, the Inner Galaxy
and the Isotropic Gamma-Ray Background. For both targets, uncertainties in the
properties of backgrounds is a major limitation to the sensitivity of indirect
searches. I then highlight approaches which can enhance the sensitivity of
indirect searches using these targets.
