Does nonbaryonic dark matter exist?

In summary, nonbaryonic dark matter is a type of matter that does not consist of atoms or the particles that make up atoms. Scientists believe it exists because of its gravitational effects on visible matter. It differs from baryonic matter in composition and is studied through various methods such as indirect detection, direct detection, and astrophysical observations. Current theories about nonbaryonic dark matter include WIMPs, axions, and sterile neutrinos, but there is still much research and debate about its exact nature.
  • #1
Tyger
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0
People have "invented" it out of a need to explain large scale motions in the Universe, but is it really there? Might there be other explanations?

Here's an interesting page about it.

http://www.astro.ucla.edu/~agm/darkmtr.html

You can get more by putting "dark matter" into Google or MSN. Does what you know about it convince you that all the possibilites have been explored?
 
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  • #2
Neutrinos have already been detected. As for how much nonbaryonic dark matter exists, I haven't a clue.
 

1. What is nonbaryonic dark matter?

Nonbaryonic dark matter is a type of matter that does not consist of atoms or the particles that make up atoms (protons, neutrons, and electrons). It is called "dark" because it does not interact with light or other forms of electromagnetic radiation, making it invisible and difficult to detect.

2. Why do scientists believe that nonbaryonic dark matter exists?

Scientists believe that nonbaryonic dark matter exists because of its gravitational effects on visible matter. The observed movements of stars and galaxies cannot be explained by the amount of visible matter in the universe, leading to the hypothesis that there must be additional, unseen matter exerting gravitational pull.

3. How is nonbaryonic dark matter different from baryonic matter?

The main difference between nonbaryonic dark matter and baryonic matter is their composition. Baryonic matter is made up of atoms, which are composed of protons, neutrons, and electrons. Nonbaryonic dark matter, on the other hand, is made up of particles that do not interact with light and have not been directly observed or identified.

4. How do scientists study nonbaryonic dark matter?

Scientists study nonbaryonic dark matter through various methods, including indirect detection, direct detection, and astrophysical observations. Indirect detection involves looking for the effects of dark matter on visible matter, such as gravitational lensing. Direct detection involves searching for interactions between dark matter particles and ordinary matter. Astrophysical observations involve studying the movements and interactions of stars and galaxies to infer the presence of dark matter.

5. Are there any current theories about what nonbaryonic dark matter could be?

Yes, there are several theories about what nonbaryonic dark matter could be. Some of the most widely accepted theories include weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs), axions, and sterile neutrinos. However, there is still much research and debate among scientists about the exact nature of nonbaryonic dark matter.

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