Dark Matter Decoupling from Plasma

In summary, dark matter is a type of matter that makes up about 85% of the total matter in the universe. It does not interact with electromagnetic radiation and its exact nature is still unknown. Decoupling from plasma is the process in which dark matter stops interacting with ionized gas in the early universe, and it is important because it allows dark matter to start forming large-scale structures like galaxies. Scientists study this process through theoretical models and observational data, and it could have significant implications for our understanding of the universe and its evolution.
  • #1
Trixie Mattel
29
0
Hello,

I have been reading about how Dark Matter particles might possibly be made up of the lightest sterile right handed neutrino.

I was wondering, why exactly does the dark matter particle have to decouple from the plasma when it is formed?
 
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  • #2
All dark matter candidates had to stop interacting (significantly) with regular matter at some point, otherwise they would not be dark.
 

What is dark matter?

Dark matter is a type of matter that does not emit or interact with electromagnetic radiation, making it invisible to traditional telescopes. It is believed to make up about 85% of the total matter in the universe, but its exact nature and composition are still unknown.

What is decoupling from plasma?

Decoupling from plasma refers to the process by which particles of dark matter stop interacting with particles of plasma, or ionized gas, in the early universe. This process is thought to have occurred around 380,000 years after the Big Bang.

Why is the decoupling of dark matter from plasma important?

The decoupling of dark matter from plasma is important because it marks a crucial stage in the evolution of the early universe. It allows dark matter to start clumping together and forming the large-scale structures that we see in the universe today, such as galaxies and galaxy clusters.

How do scientists study the decoupling of dark matter from plasma?

Scientists study the decoupling of dark matter from plasma through a combination of theoretical models and observational data. They use data from the cosmic microwave background, which is radiation leftover from the early universe, to understand the conditions at the time of decoupling.

What are some potential implications of the decoupling of dark matter from plasma?

The decoupling of dark matter from plasma could have significant implications for our understanding of the universe and its evolution. It could help us to better understand the nature of dark matter and its role in the formation of large-scale structures, as well as shed light on the early universe and the physics that governed it.

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