Does dark matter interact with Baryons?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the interactions between dark matter and baryons, specifically questioning whether dark matter interacts with standard model particles beyond gravitational effects. Participants explore various models and perspectives on this topic.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant references a paper suggesting that dark matter does interact with baryons, contrasting this with the belief that dark matter only interacts through gravity.
  • Another participant notes that in many dark matter models, there are weak interactions with standard model particles, particularly in scenarios involving Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs), but emphasizes that the strength of these interactions varies by model.
  • It is mentioned that no interactions between dark matter and baryons have been detected to date.
  • A participant states that the current understanding is uncertain, with no definitive answers available.
  • One participant expresses appreciation for the referenced paper, indicating interest in the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the nature of dark matter interactions with baryons, with multiple competing views and uncertainties remaining in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the limitations in current knowledge regarding dark matter interactions, including the lack of detected interactions and the dependence on specific dark matter models.

wolram
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This paper says they do. but I have been lead to believe that DM only interacts with gravity
https://arxiv.org/abs/1811.08843
What is the standard view?
 
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In most DM models there are some weak interactions with standard model particles. For your typical WIMP scenario those interactions are of more or less the same strength as the weak interactions but this generally depends on the dark matter model. You can never prove a negative so you can never exclude dark matter having some interactions with baryons. What you can do is place bounda on the strength of those interactions.
 
No interactions have been detected.
 
Nobody knows.
 
Excellent paper, wolram. Thanks.
 

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