Gravity has finite reach? (per Claudia de Rahm)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept proposed by Claudia de Rham regarding the possibility of gravity having a finite reach. This idea is suggested as a potential explanation for the observed expansion of the universe and a means to "rule out" dark energy. The conversation touches on theoretical implications and the validity of such claims within the context of established physics.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express skepticism about the idea that gravity could have a finite reach, arguing that it cannot adequately explain dark energy.
  • One participant questions the validity of the claim, suggesting that it may not align with general relativity and expressing doubt about its ability to fit observational data.
  • Another participant mentions that if gravity had a finite range, it could alter the perceived effects attributed to dark energy, potentially affecting the statistical significance of cosmological observations.
  • Several participants request specific references to the lecture mentioned by the original poster, indicating a need for verification of the claims made.
  • There is a noted tension in the discussion, with some participants calling for a more respectful tone and others expressing frustration over perceived aggression in responses.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally do not agree on the validity of the claim regarding gravity's finite reach, with multiple competing views expressed. The discussion remains unresolved, particularly regarding the implications for dark energy and the need for references to support claims.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in the available information, particularly the lack of a specific reference to the lecture mentioned, which affects the ability to evaluate the claims made. There are also unresolved questions about the compatibility of the proposed idea with established theories.

rolnor
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TL;DR
If so, there is no need for dark energy to explain the accelerated expansion of the universe?
I heard Claudia talking in a lecture about the possibility of gravity having finite reach. This could possibly explain observations of the universe expansion and "rule out" dark energy. How controversial is this? She mentions that another force has finite reach, the weak force.
https://profiles.imperial.ac.uk/c.de-rham/publications?respub-action=search.html
 
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rolnor said:
TL;DR Summary: If so, there is no need for dark energy to explain the accelerated expansion of the universe?

I heard Claudia talking in a lecture about the possibility of gravity having finite reach. This could possibly explain observations of the universe expansion and "rule out" dark energy. How controversial is this? She mentions that another force has finite reach, the weak force.
https://profiles.imperial.ac.uk/c.de-rham/publications?respub-action=search.html
Sounds like nonsense to me. Certainly a finite reach of gravity could not possibly explain dark energy. Do you even understand what dark energy DOES?
 
(1) "Claudia"? Like Cher or Madonna? Prince or Fabio?
(2) Do you have a reference? "I heard a lecture" is not something we can check.
(3) This is not GR. Now, people are free to propose another theory, but see point (2).
(4) In no world, is this QM, the section you posted it in.
(5) I am highly skeptical that this can simultaneously fit all the observational data, unless by "finite range" one means "I invert the data we have to find a force law that matches it", and even then it is tough.
 
rolnor said:
I heard Claudia talking in a lecture
What lecture? Please give a specific reference.
 
I dont think anyone "knows" what dark energy does, its not proven science fact, its a theory. Do you have to be so agressive? Its just a humble question? I will try to find the lecture ref.
 
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Her name is Claudia de Rham, was not that clear from the title of the topic? Why all this drama?
 
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phinds said:
Sounds like nonsense to me. Certainly a finite reach of gravity could not possibly explain dark energy. Do you even understand what dark energy DOES?
This thread belongs in BSM (or maybe cosmology) and not quantum.

But if gravity did have finite range (e.g. due to a massive graviton), then this would reduce the pull of gravity over very long (cosmological) distances.

This wouldn't be mathematically equivalent to dark energy, but it would impact some of the observables from which dark energy (and the magnitude of dark energy) is inferred.

Depending upon the range in question, it could conceivably impact those observables to such a degree that the evidence for a non-zero cosmological constant could be less than five sigma, because it would be increase the uncertainty in the separate components behind the observables in this model, and because the dark energy contribution would be smaller relative to the uncertainty.
 
Can anyone move this to the correct part of the forum? Its perhaps not QM as pointed out. Please keep a less aggressive tone.
 
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  • #10
rolnor said:
Do you have to be so agressive? Its just a humble question?
rolnor said:
Her name is Claudia de Rham, was not that clear from the title of the topic? Why all this drama?
rolnor said:
Please keep a less aggressive tone.
These comments are not appropriate. You are in no position to complain about anyone else unless and until you do this:

rolnor said:
I will try to find the lecture ref.
Once you do, PM me the ref and I will take a look at it. Until then, this thread is closed for moderation.

rolnor said:
Can anyone move this to the correct part of the forum?
Not unless and until you provide a valid, specific reference.
 
  • #11
ohwilleke said:
This thread belongs in BSM (or maybe cosmology) and not quantum.
Until we have a valid reference from the OP, it's impossible to tell where the thread belongs. That's why I have closed it for moderation pending the OP providing such a reference.
 
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  • #12
The OP has told me via PM that he cannot find a reference to the lecture. Therefore, this thread will remain closed.
 
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