Accomodating relativity to dark matter

In summary, the conversation discusses the role of weakly acting dark matter in relation to special and general relativity. It is noted that since DM does not interact with photons, it can be difficult to apply these theories. The presence of DM is detected through its gravitational interaction, which affects the curvature of space-time and can be observed through various phenomena such as galaxy rotation curves and lensing. The role of photons in detecting DM is also discussed.
  • #1
Loren Booda
3,125
4
If weakly acting dark matter does not interact with photons, how is special (or general) relativity applied in its case? Signaling (or lightlike geodesics) would be hard to define where there is no electromagnetic objectivity. I guess this inertness may be a problem in determining a neutrino's mass and velocity.
 
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  • #2
Dark Matter is detected by its gravitational interaction. The curvature of space-time caused by the presence of DM is detected by galaxy rotation curves, the dynamics of galaxy clusters and the lensing of distant quasars. Photons continue to travel on null-geodesics, those null-geodesics are perturbed by the said curvature of space-time, and the deflection of these null-geodesics is a measure of the presence of both seen and unseen mass, the DM is the unseen component.

Garth
 
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  • #3
Thanks, Garth!
 
  • #4
Well said Garth.
 

What is the concept of accomodating relativity to dark matter?

Accommodating relativity to dark matter refers to the challenge of incorporating the theory of relativity, which describes the behavior of large-scale objects in the universe, with the existence of dark matter, a mysterious form of matter that does not interact with light but exerts gravitational influence.

Why is it important to accomodate relativity to dark matter?

It is important to accommodate relativity to dark matter because the theory of relativity is the cornerstone of modern physics and has been consistently supported by numerous experiments. However, the presence of dark matter cannot be explained by the theory of relativity alone, so finding a way to reconcile the two is crucial for a more complete understanding of the universe.

What are some proposed theories for accomodating relativity to dark matter?

Some proposed theories for accommodating relativity to dark matter include modifying the theory of relativity itself, such as the Modified Newtonian Dynamics (MOND) theory, or introducing new particles that interact with both normal matter and dark matter, such as the self-interacting dark matter theory.

What are the current challenges in accomodating relativity to dark matter?

One of the current challenges in accommodating relativity to dark matter is the lack of direct evidence or detection of dark matter particles. This makes it difficult to test and refine theories about the nature of dark matter. Additionally, there is still much to be understood about the properties and behavior of dark matter, which further complicates the task of incorporating it into the theory of relativity.

What are the potential implications of successfully accomodating relativity to dark matter?

If we are able to successfully accommodate relativity to dark matter, it would greatly enhance our understanding of the universe and its composition. It could also potentially lead to new insights and discoveries in astrophysics and cosmology, and possibly even inform new technologies or applications in the future.

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