Why do dark matter and baryon matter have different distributions?

In summary, baryon matter is distributed in spiral-shaped visible galaxies due to its ability to radiate away energy and clump together in more tightly bound systems. This is in contrast to dark matter, which does not radiate and is distributed in halos around visible galaxies. However, not all galaxies are spiral galaxies and dark matter does have some weak radiative properties as discussed in a paper called "The Potato Radius".
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Demystifier
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Dark matter is distributed in halos around visible galaxies, while baryon matter is distributed in spiral-shaped visible galaxies. Where does this difference come from?
 
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Baryon matter has the ability to radiate away energy through its electromagnetic interactions, which leads to the ability to clump together in more tightly bound systems.

Edit: Also, not all galaxies are spiral galaxies, but they are generally more tightly bound than their halos.
 
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Your question gives me the chance to cite one a fun paper. Dark matter doesn't radiate of course. If it did it wouldn't be dark. The consequences of that are given in the paper.

slask-png.png


The picture above is from a very entertaining paper, The Potato Radius: a Lower Minimum Size for Dwarf Planets you might have fun reading it.
 
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anorlunda said:
Dark matter doesn't radiate of course.
Caveat: At least not very strongly. :rolleyes:
 
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Orodruin said:
Caveat: At least not very strongly. :rolleyes:
The question and answer remind me of the fuzzy wuzzy poem. :cool: If I was more literate, I could make an analogous poem about dark matter.

Fuzzy Wuzzy was a bear.
Fuzzy Wuzzy had no hair.
Fuzzy Wuzzy wasn't fuzzy was he?
 

1. What is dark matter and baryon matter?

Dark matter is a type of matter that does not interact with light and is therefore invisible to telescopes. It is thought to make up about 85% of the total matter in the universe. Baryon matter, on the other hand, is the type of matter that we can see and interact with, such as stars, planets, and galaxies.

2. Why do dark matter and baryon matter have different distributions?

The distribution of matter in the universe is determined by gravity. Dark matter and baryon matter have different distributions because they interact differently with gravity. Baryon matter can clump together and form structures like galaxies, while dark matter does not interact with itself or other matter in the same way.

3. How do we know that dark matter and baryon matter have different distributions?

Scientists have observed the effects of dark matter on the motion of stars and galaxies. They have also studied the distribution of matter in the universe through techniques such as gravitational lensing and the cosmic microwave background radiation. These observations show that the distribution of dark matter is different from that of baryon matter.

4. What are the implications of dark matter and baryon matter having different distributions?

The fact that dark matter and baryon matter have different distributions has important implications for our understanding of the universe. It suggests that there is more to the universe than what we can see and that there are forces and particles that we have yet to discover. It also helps to explain the formation and evolution of galaxies and the large-scale structure of the universe.

5. Can we ever directly observe dark matter and baryon matter having different distributions?

While we cannot directly observe dark matter and baryon matter having different distributions, scientists are continuously searching for ways to detect and study dark matter. Some experiments, such as the Large Hadron Collider, are attempting to create dark matter particles in controlled environments. Other experiments, such as the Dark Energy Survey, are observing the effects of dark matter on the structure of the universe. With continued research and advancements in technology, we may one day be able to directly observe the differences in the distributions of dark matter and baryon matter.

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