Where is Dark Matter Found in the Universe?

In summary: After reaching singularity inside a black hole, it is believed that we become part of the black hole and strengthen it by increasing its mass. However, there is some debate on whether or not singularities actually exist.2) Dark matter is any matter that we cannot see with our telescopes and it is believed to exist in the form of "halos" around certain kinds of galaxies. Its distribution is inferred from observations such as the dynamics of galaxies and lensing of galaxies and galactic clusters. There is no known limit to its ultimate size, but its rate of growth is affected by mass density.
  • #1
Dr.Brain
538
2
1)Ok.I was wondering ..what happens after we reach singularity inside black hole?...Do we become part of the black hole and strengthen it by increasing its mass in the same amount of volume?

2) Is Dark Matter only confined to the outer stretches of the Galaxy?..or is it also found elsewhere in the Universe?.
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
  • #2
1) I will mention in passing that there is some debate as to whether or not singularities actually exist, but the answer to that question is not vital to finding the answer to your question. In theory, yes, once you cross the event Horizon of a black hole you increase its total mass, and add to its gravitational pull.

2) Dark matter is any matter that we cannot see with our telescopes. All of the planets that we cannot see orbiting distant (and nearby) stars are dark matter. The Pioneer 10 anomaly (the space probe Pioneer 10 is decelerating slightly more than predicted as it leaves our solar system) may imply that there is considerably more matter right here in our own solar system than we have accounted for so far.
 
  • #3
I agree with Lurch on the first point. On the second point, his definition of Dark matter is a legitimate one, but is not normally what one means when discussing Dark Matter in the context of modern astronomy, for example in the context of a statement that "30% of the matter in the universe is dark matter".

Ordinary stuff like hydrogen gas in free space and stray asteroids and planets and such are believed to be on the order of 5% or so of the mass of visible matter, maybe more if you include massive neutrinos.

Usually, and I suspect in the case of your question, what you are referring to is that presence of matter inferred from observations such as the dynamics of galaxies and lensing of galaxies and galactic clusters and cosmic background radiation measurements.

Theory infers that this kind of dark matter primarily exists in "halos" around certain kinds of galaxies (some kinds tend to have more than others), with galactic clusters having a particularly large does of the stuff. It is also hypothesized that the large scale structure observed in the universe may be driven by filaments of dark matter which may or may not be the same stuff as the stuff believed to cause galactic dynamics.

These halos are not believed to extend to the cores of galaxies in most cases.

The Pioneer 10 case could be explained by many, many phenomena, dark matter is one of them. I wouldn't call it a leading theory, however.

Certainly, dark matter is not only inferred from the dynamics of the Milky Way galaxy. It is inferred, at least, from almost every largish spiral galaxy and many other types of galaxies throughout the universe.

Dark matter is a mainstream theory of physics but does not have all the kinks worked out. Among the most pressing issues in dark matter theory are: "What is it made of, if it exists?" (The prevailing view is that it is "non-baryonic" (i.e. not made up of protons, neutrons or other three quark particles)) and "Why is it distributed in characteristic ways?"
 
  • #4
Capacity

Hello!
I'm new here, I really enjoy reading the posts and finally decided to participate.
I do have a question. Does a black hole have a capacity or limit to its ultimate size? Or the speed or time frame which it can take in a set amount of matter? I thought maybe the jets release what is above what it can take in during a particular time frame. Over time the bh can grow, but at what rate can it grow? If a hundred sun mass black hole merged with another hundred mass object, can it continue as before or will it increase mass ( ratio ) being ejected?
Thanks, Roy
 
  • #5
I can't speak to rate of growth except to note that there is a volumetric limit (speed of light time event horizon area), and that there is no known or theoretical limit on ultimate size. Mass density would be a big factor in rate of growth.
 
  • #6
And welcome to posting to these Forums pjb59!
Garth
 
  • #7
ohwilleke said:
I agree with Lurch on the first point. On the second point, his definition of Dark matter is a legitimate one, but is not normally what one means when discussing Dark Matter in the context of modern astronomy, for example in the context of a statement that "30% of the matter in the universe is dark matter".

Actually, his is the more correct definition and is used frequently by astronomers, but I agree that they are often used interchangably. By the way, I think you mean "30% of the energy density of the universe is dark matter".
 

1. What is a black hole?

A black hole is a region of space where the gravitational pull is so strong that nothing, including light, can escape. This is caused by the collapse of a massive star, resulting in an incredibly dense and compact object.

2. How are black holes detected?

Black holes cannot be directly observed, as no light can escape from them. However, their presence can be inferred through the effects of their gravity on surrounding objects, such as stars and gas.

3. What is dark matter?

Dark matter is a type of matter that does not emit, absorb, or reflect light, making it invisible to telescopes. Its existence is inferred through its gravitational effects on visible matter, such as stars and galaxies.

4. How do black holes and dark matter relate to each other?

Black holes and dark matter are not directly related. Black holes are the result of collapsed stars, while dark matter is a type of matter that is thought to make up a significant portion of the total mass in the universe.

5. Why is the study of black holes and dark matter important?

The study of black holes and dark matter is important because they both play crucial roles in our understanding of the universe. Black holes help us understand the extreme conditions of gravity, while dark matter helps us understand the structure and evolution of the universe on a large scale.

Similar threads

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
12
Views
1K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
5
Views
776
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
13
Views
1K
Replies
14
Views
1K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
1K
Back
Top