Is space plasma the key to understanding dark matter?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the relationship between space plasma and dark matter, exploring whether space plasma could account for the unseen matter in the universe. Participants express confusion about the concepts and seek clarification on their potential connections.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions if space plasma could explain dark matter, referencing Voyager 1's findings about density differences in space.
  • Another participant seeks clarification on what constitutes 'space plasma' and mentions the Pioneer anomaly being explained by heat recoil from its power source.
  • A participant suggests that space plasma might also be referred to as astrophysical plasma.
  • Another participant expresses uncertainty, stating that the nature of space plasma is not yet fully understood by science.
  • A repeated inquiry about the connection between space plasma and dark matter is made, with a suggestion that interstellar and intergalactic mediums could be considered plasma.
  • One participant asserts that space plasma does not explain dark matter, citing insufficient quantities of plasma to account for it.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the relationship between space plasma and dark matter, with some expressing skepticism about the connection and others seeking further clarification on the concepts involved.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in understanding the definitions and characteristics of space plasma, as well as the implications of Voyager 1's findings. The discussion reflects varying levels of knowledge and uncertainty regarding these topics.

Reid Knapp
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Does space plasma explain dark matter? I have read about how Voyager 1 showed that there was different density in between our solar system and other galaxies. Doesn't the existence of space plasma then explain that the matter we cannot see is in fact space plasma? I really feel as though I am struggling on these concepts and need some further explanation. Irregardless of the answer to that question, do they have anything to do with each other?
 
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What is 'space plasma'? The Pioneer 'anomaly' has been explained as heat recoil from the onboard power source.
 
I guess its also known as astrophysical plasma?
 
I guess 'it' is not yet known to science.
 
Reid Knapp said:
Does space plasma explain dark matter? I have read about how Voyager 1 showed that there was different density in between our solar system and other galaxies. Doesn't the existence of space plasma then explain that the matter we cannot see is in fact space plasma? I really feel as though I am struggling on these concepts and need some further explanation. Irregardless of the answer to that question, do they have anything to do with each other?

Are you referring to the interstellar and intergalactic medium? I guess you could call it a plasma.

From here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interstellar_medium
On September 12 2013, NASA officially announced that Voyager 1 had reached the ISM on August 25, 2012, making it the first manmade object to do so. Interstellar plasma and dust will be studied until the mission's end in 2025.

If that's what you mean, then no. It does not explain dark matter. There isn't nearly enough of it.
 

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