Is space plasma the key to understanding dark matter?

[Reid Knapp]

Does space plasma explain dark matter? I have read about how Voyager 1 showed that there was different density in between our solar system and other galaxies. Doesn't the existence of space plasma then explain that the matter we cannot see is in fact space plasma? I really feel as though I am struggling on these concepts and need some further explanation. Irregardless of the answer to that question, do they have anything to do with each other?

 

[Chronos]

What is 'space plasma'? The Pioneer 'anomaly' has been explained as heat recoil from the onboard power source.

 

[Reid Knapp]

I guess its also known as astrophysical plasma?

 

[Chronos]

I guess 'it' is not yet known to science.

 

[Drakkith]

Does space plasma explain dark matter? I have read about how Voyager 1 showed that there was different density in between our solar system and other galaxies. Doesn't the existence of space plasma then explain that the matter we cannot see is in fact space plasma? I really feel as though I am struggling on these concepts and need some further explanation. Irregardless of the answer to that question, do they have anything to do with each other?

Are you referring to the interstellar and intergalactic medium? I guess you could call it a plasma.

From here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interstellar_medium

On September 12 2013, NASA officially announced that Voyager 1 had reached the ISM on August 25, 2012, making it the first manmade object to do so. Interstellar plasma and dust will be studied until the mission's end in 2025.

If that's what you mean, then no. It does not explain dark matter. There isn't nearly enough of it.