Are dark matter and dark energy caused by same phenomenon?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential relationship between dark matter and dark energy, specifically exploring whether both phenomena could be caused by the same underlying mechanism. The conversation touches on concepts related to particle physics, gravity, and the expansion of space, with a focus on speculative ideas regarding particles emerging from 'empty' space.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that particles popping in and out of 'empty' space could account for the gravity holding stars in galaxies and also explain the expansion of space, proposing that these particles might cause an expansion that does not contract upon their exit.
  • Another participant asserts that dark energy and dark matter are completely unrelated, challenging the initial hypothesis.
  • A participant expresses uncertainty about their idea, questioning if they might be on the right track given the unknowns in reality.
  • One response dismisses the initial idea, suggesting that it is unlikely to resolve complex issues based on a popular scientific account.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit disagreement regarding the relationship between dark matter and dark energy, with some proposing a connection and others firmly stating they are unrelated. The discussion remains unresolved, with no consensus reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference the limitations of popular science accounts in addressing complex scientific issues, indicating a potential gap between speculative ideas and established scientific understanding.

Buster59
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TL;DR
After watching a two-part program Everything/Nothing, a thought occurred to me when the discussion turned to particles popping in and out of 'empty' space.
After watching a two-part program Everything/Nothing, a thought occurred to me when the discussion turned to particles popping in and out of 'empty' space. Could these particles be numerous enough in the vast space between stars to be responsible for the gravity holding stars together in galaxies and at the same time be responsible for the expansion of space? They have mass, which would explain the extra gravity if enough of these particles are present at any given time. Particles need space to exist, but by popping into our space, do they cause an expansion of it upon entering that doesn't contract as they exit for some unknown reason? That would explain the expansion of space.
 
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Buster59 said:
Summary: After watching a two-part program Everything/Nothing, a thought occurred to me when the discussion turned to particles popping in and out of 'empty' space.

After watching a two-part program Everything/Nothing, a thought occurred to me when the discussion turned to particles popping in and out of 'empty' space. Could these particles be numerous enough in the vast space between stars to be responsible for the gravity holding stars together in galaxies and at the same time be responsible for the expansion of space? They have mass, which would explain the extra gravity if enough of these particles are present at any given time. Particles need space to exist, but by popping into our space, do they cause an expansion of it upon entering that doesn't contract as they exit for some unknown reason? That would explain the expansion of space.
Dark energy and dark matter are completely unrelated.
 
I thought so until that popped into my head. What if I'm on the right track? There's a lot we don't know about reality.
 
You are not on the right track. Yes, there are things nobody knows. No, you are not going to solve those issues after watching a popular scientific account.
 
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