Exploring the Possibility of Dark Matter Planets & Stars

In summary, the conversation discusses the potential for Dark Matter to form clumps and potentially create Dark Stars or Black Holes due to its ability to interact through gravity. However, it is also noted that if Dark Matter particles are fermions, there may be something akin to electron degeneracy pressure preventing collapse. One candidate for Dark Matter is the neutralino, which is its own anti-particle and could potentially glow. It is also suggested that most of the mass in black holes could be from Dark Matter.
  • #1
sanman
745
24
Since Dark Matter is by definition immune to electromagnetic forces, then it has no other way to interact except through gravity -- unless one wants to come up with some entirely new force, which has never been seen.

If Dark Matter did have some force of its own, akin to electromagnetism, that would allow it to clump together, then what would happen is that you'd have these super-large clumps (Dark Matter Planets, etc) which would be floating around, showing off their gravitational effects in very concentrated ways.

But planets and stars are held together by gravity, and not electromagnetism. So if Dark Matter can gravitate to itself, then couldn't it form Dark Stars?
A Dark Star would generate no light, of course. But if it had no force similar to electromagnetism to push apart from itself, then it would all just concentrate into one single dense point -- like a black hole.

So it would seem that Dark Matter would be more likely than regular matter to form black holes, right? That's what I can infer from all of this.
 
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  • #2
Well, if dark matter particles (whatever they may be) are fermions, then there would be something akin to electron degeneracy pressure inside a dark matter star (should such a beast exist) that would prevent said star collapsing until there was enough mass to produce a gravitational force to overcome this. Therefore there would be something to prevent collapse. I don't actually know if dark matter is posited to be fermionic however.

I can't really comment on anything else, other than speculation, as i am not as knowledgeable hear as i would like to (or infact used to be, as a astrophysics turned physical chemistry student). Interesting though.
 
  • #3
One strong candidate for dark matter is the neutralino which is supersymmetric and it's own anti-particle meaning it would annihilate if it came into close proximity with it-self.
 
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  • #4
http://news.yahoo.com/s/space/20081106/sc_space/mysteriousdarkmattermightactuallyglow

If Dark Matter started forming into a tight sphere, then ordinary matter would also be drawn in, so it is not likely that there should be pure Dark Stars or Dark Holes. DM is about five times as prevalent in the universe as ordinary matter, so I suppose you could infer that most of the mass in black holes is from DM, too.
 
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1. What is dark matter and why is it important in exploring the possibility of dark matter planets and stars?

Dark matter is a hypothetical form of matter that is believed to make up about 85% of the total matter in the universe. It does not emit or absorb light, making it invisible to telescopes and other instruments. Exploring the possibility of dark matter planets and stars is important because it could provide insights into the formation and evolution of the universe.

2. How are scientists currently searching for dark matter planets and stars?

Scientists are using a variety of methods to search for dark matter planets and stars. These include studying gravitational lensing, which is the bending of light by massive objects, as well as analyzing the motion of stars and galaxies to detect the presence of dark matter. Scientists are also using experiments such as the Large Hadron Collider to try and create dark matter particles in the laboratory.

3. What are some potential characteristics of dark matter planets and stars?

Since dark matter is thought to interact primarily through gravity, dark matter planets and stars would likely have strong gravitational forces. They may also be larger and more massive than their visible counterparts. It is also possible that dark matter planets and stars could have unique compositions, such as being made up of particles other than protons and neutrons.

4. Could there be life on dark matter planets and stars?

It is currently unknown if life could exist on dark matter planets and stars. Since dark matter is not thought to interact through the electromagnetic force, it is unlikely that these objects could support the same type of life as we know it on Earth. However, there could be forms of life that have adapted to survive in a dark matter-dominated environment.

5. What are some potential implications of discovering dark matter planets and stars?

Discovering dark matter planets and stars could provide a deeper understanding of the universe and its formation. It could also lead to new advancements in technology and potential applications, such as harnessing the power of dark matter for energy. Additionally, it could challenge our current understanding of physics and the laws of the universe.

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