Could dark matter be invisible bound states of ordinary matter or ehm, aliens?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion explores the hypothesis that dark matter could consist of invisible bound states (IBS) of ordinary matter, rather than entirely new subatomic particles. The consensus among cosmologists suggests dark matter is made up of an undiscovered type of particle, but the idea of existing fundamental particles forming IBS that do not emit or absorb light presents a novel perspective. The potential for these IBS to interact similarly to atoms forming molecules raises intriguing questions about the nature of matter and life in the universe.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of dark matter and its role in cosmology
  • Familiarity with fundamental particles in physics
  • Knowledge of atomic and molecular interactions
  • Basic concepts of particle physics and subatomic structures
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the current theories on dark matter particles, including WIMPs and axions
  • Explore the concept of invisible bound states in particle physics
  • Investigate the implications of dark matter on cosmic structure formation
  • Read articles on exotic matter and its potential existence in the universe
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, physicists, and anyone interested in theoretical physics and the nature of dark matter will benefit from this discussion.

Antti
Messages
26
Reaction score
0
I've thought about dark matter and I'm wondering if it could possible be made up invisible bouond states of ordinary matter? Wikipedia says "According to consensus among cosmologists, dark matter is composed primarily of a new, not yet characterized, type of subatomic particle." But why a totally new particle? Maybe some selection of known fundamental particles can arrange themselves in an undiscovered way such that they are bound to each other but do not emit or absorb light. Has this possibility been considered? If so, what were the results?

Also when thinking about this, I realized that the invisible bound states (or IBS as I would name them hehe) could pair up with other IBS much like atoms pair up with other atoms to form molecules. So there might be a totally different class of matter and maybe even life in deep space.

This is of course very exotic and speculative and I'm actually expecting someone to come and explain why it's all rubbish. But I would be interested in knowing if anyone else has sugested such an explanation and if there are any articles or something about it.
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
Locked, pending moderation.

In the meantime, re-read the PF Rules that you had agreed to.

Zz.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 82 ·
3
Replies
82
Views
12K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K