Exploring Alternative Theories of Dark Matter

In summary, the conversation discusses alternative theories to explain dark matter, such as the possibility of misunderstood gravity and the theory of an extra spatial dimension. The concept of interlopers is also brought up as a possible explanation for errors in measuring the velocity of stars and galaxies. The conversation also touches on the idea that dark matter may not even exist and is simply a result of our limited understanding of gravity. Overall, there is still much uncertainty and debate surrounding the concept of dark matter and its existence.
  • #1
billy_boy_999
131
0
i'm interested in any alternative theories re: dark matter...is it possible that we simply have misunderstood gravity at these distances? it seems strange to me that we look for symmetry in the physical laws and so we see something we can't explain using the law of gravitation and our observations and we then assume that our observations are off...

i was reading about some vague theory of an extra spatial dimension, curved and about the length of half a galaxy or so that forced gravitational radiation into a less-than-radial, or actually straight, path, thus at distances proportional to the length of the hidden dimension gravity would not diminish as the square of the distance...does anyone know about this theory?

are there any other ways of explaining dark matter without invoking 'dark matter'...
 
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  • #2
Dark matter could be compounded gravity affects, that is not just the affects from one atom to another but also the additive affect form one atom to the other 2 atom cluster, smaller affect but still additive, like a lower density unit of hot air rises perhaps due to this instead of gravity only affecting the individual atoms alone in the hot air, or I don't understand this.

Dark matter doesn't matter because you can't see it anyway-Ultra lame
 
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  • #3
Yes, look up MOND, however it seems unlikely that this is the case.

Should we expect most of the matter in the universe to be of the type that can directly observed?
 
  • #4
thank you guys, modified Newtonian dynamics link http://www.astro.umd.edu/~ssm/mond/


Should we expect most of the matter in the universe to be of the type that can directly observed?
an interesting question alright...i don't know if it makes sense to to expect one thing or the other - why shouldn't most of all forms of matter be able to radiate in some form? it's a philosophical point until we have a theory that explains the observations...i don't think 'dark matter' is a very precise theory...maybe a powerful accelerator will be able to make some in a few decades, but that still won't justify the theory until we can postdict the amount that is necessary to explain graviational anomolies...
 
  • #5
billy_boy_999 said:
i'm interested in any alternative theories re: dark matter...is it possible that we simply have misunderstood gravity at these distances? it seems strange to me that we look for symmetry in the physical laws and so we see something we can't explain using the law of gravitation and our observations and we then assume that our observations are off...

i was reading about some vague theory of an extra spatial dimension, curved and about the length of half a galaxy or so that forced gravitational radiation into a less-than-radial, or actually straight, path, thus at distances proportional to the length of the hidden dimension gravity would not diminish as the square of the distance...does anyone know about this theory?

are there any other ways of explaining dark matter without invoking 'dark matter'...

One published source of errors in the predictuion of dark matter is in measuring the velocity of stars or galaxies on the outer edge of the galaxy or super galxy. Here they say the velocity is to fast for these entities, therefore there must be more mass that keeps the galaxies to gether. WEll any way some have looked at the problem and discovered the phenomena of 'interlopers'. When measuring a galaxy there is always a chance that you are looking at a star, or galxay either in front of the one you think you are viewing, or on the far side of the galaxy. Therefore one may be measuring 'interlopers' that give the viewer the fantasy that the outer stars are moving too fast in the galaxy, or super galaxy, to which they do not belong.

You aren't suggesting that real physicists contrive theories to conform to their pesonal beliefs are you? Such heresy. You can get in big trouble talking like tha around here. You'd better watch your step buddy! :devil:

No bright strories on the dark pages, of interlopers that matter behind the scene are seen, that's for sure.
 

1. What is dark matter and why is it important to explore alternative theories?

Dark matter is a hypothetical form of matter that is thought to make up about 85% of the total matter in the universe. It does not emit or absorb light, making it invisible and difficult to detect. Alternative theories are important to explore because the current theory of dark matter, known as the Cold Dark Matter model, has some limitations in explaining certain observations. Exploring alternative theories can help us better understand the nature of dark matter and its role in the universe.

2. How do scientists study and search for dark matter?

Scientists use various methods to study and search for dark matter, including astronomical observations, laboratory experiments, and computer simulations. Some of the techniques used include measuring gravitational lensing, studying the rotation of galaxies, and looking for evidence of dark matter annihilation. These methods allow scientists to indirectly detect the presence of dark matter and gather clues about its properties.

3. What are some alternative theories of dark matter?

Some alternative theories of dark matter include Modified Newtonian Dynamics (MOND), Self-Interacting Dark Matter, and Axion-like Particles. These theories propose different explanations for the observations attributed to dark matter, such as the rotation curves of galaxies and the large-scale structure of the universe. They also suggest alternative ways in which dark matter interacts with normal matter and other particles.

4. What evidence supports the existence of dark matter?

The evidence for dark matter comes from a variety of sources, including the rotation curves of galaxies, the gravitational lensing of light, and the distribution of matter in the large-scale structure of the universe. Other evidence includes the observed fluctuations in the cosmic microwave background and the dynamics of galaxy clusters. However, the most compelling evidence comes from the observation of the Bullet Cluster, where the separation of dark matter and normal matter can be seen through gravitational lensing.

5. How do alternative theories of dark matter affect our understanding of the universe?

Alternative theories of dark matter can greatly impact our understanding of the universe by challenging the current Cold Dark Matter model and offering new perspectives on the nature of dark matter. They can also have implications for other areas of physics, such as particle physics and cosmology. By exploring alternative theories, scientists hope to gain a more complete understanding of the universe and its fundamental components.

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