Bullet Cluster: Controversial & Puzzling Evidence for Alternative Models

[Chronos]

The bullet cluster remains controversial, as evidenced today by http://arxiv.org/abs/1404.5633 and http://arxiv.org/abs/1404.5636. I'm puzzled by the motivation for this kind of dissent. I view this as a desperate attempt by alternative model advocates to preserve their own views.

 

[TrickyDicky]

The bullet cluster remains controversial, as evidenced today by http://arxiv.org/abs/1404.5633 and http://arxiv.org/abs/1404.5636. I'm puzzled by the motivation for this kind of dissent. I view this as a desperate attempt by alternative model advocates to preserve their own views.

By the abstracts it is no clear to me that the linked papers show any dissent or controversy wrt the mainstream view about DM and the Bullet cluster, what alternative model to DM would the authors be proposing?

 

[Bill_K]

The bullet cluster remains controversial, as evidenced today by http://arxiv.org/abs/1404.5633 and http://arxiv.org/abs/1404.5636. I'm puzzled by the motivation for this kind of dissent. I view this as a desperate attempt by alternative model advocates to preserve their own views.

Controversy stems from observations of other clusters such as http://hubblesite.org/newscenter/archive/releases/2012/10/image/a/, in which dark matter is apparently behaving in a way it should not.

 

[phyzguy]

The bullet cluster remains controversial, as evidenced today by http://arxiv.org/abs/1404.5633 and http://arxiv.org/abs/1404.5636. I'm puzzled by the motivation for this kind of dissent. I view this as a desperate attempt by alternative model advocates to preserve their own views.

I agree with TrickyDicky. What do you see in these papers that is advocating alternate models? The first paper puts an upper limit on DM-DM interactions, but this is consistent with Lambda-CDM. What am I missing?

 

[pmacias]

As a scientist, it is important to approach any controversial topic with an open mind and to carefully evaluate all evidence before drawing conclusions. The bullet cluster is a fascinating phenomenon that has sparked much debate and exploration in the scientific community. While some may see the recent articles as a desperate attempt to preserve alternative models, it is important to consider all perspectives and carefully examine the evidence presented.

The bullet cluster, consisting of two clusters of galaxies colliding at high speeds, provides strong evidence for the existence of dark matter. This is supported by observations of gravitational lensing, which shows the presence of a large mass that cannot be accounted for by visible matter alone. This is in line with the current standard model of cosmology, which includes dark matter as a fundamental component of our universe.

However, it is important to continue exploring alternative models and theories in order to advance our understanding of the universe. Scientific progress is driven by healthy skepticism and the willingness to challenge established theories. Therefore, it is not surprising that there may be dissenting views on the interpretation of the bullet cluster data.

Ultimately, the scientific method requires that all evidence be carefully evaluated and that conclusions be based on the most robust and consistent explanations. As more data is collected and analyzed, it is possible that our understanding of the bullet cluster and other phenomena may evolve. It is important for scientists to continue to critically examine all evidence and to remain open to new ideas and theories.