Observations fit poorly with the Standard Model of Cosmology

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the discrepancies between observations of galaxy formations and predictions made by the Standard Model of Cosmology (ΛCDM). Participants explore the implications of these discrepancies for theoretical models of galaxy evolution, the potential limitations of current simulations, and the broader challenges faced by the ΛCDM framework.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that the observed number of flat disk galaxies exceeds predictions made by the Standard Model of Cosmology, suggesting a significant discrepancy between theory and reality.
  • Concerns are raised about the assumptions underlying galaxy formation models, with some participants arguing that the models may not adequately capture the complexities of normal matter dynamics.
  • Others highlight that the ΛCDM model faces multiple independent challenges, including issues related to dark matter density profiles and the number of predicted small galaxies, which may indicate fundamental flaws in the model.
  • Some participants suggest that the limitations of current simulations could lead to underestimations of certain galaxy types, while also questioning whether adjustments to assumptions could resolve discrepancies without altering the overall framework of ΛCDM.
  • There is mention of alternative models, such as MOND, and how the biases of the authors of the referenced paper might influence interpretations of the data.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views, with no consensus reached on the implications of the discrepancies for the Standard Model of Cosmology. Some agree on the existence of significant challenges to the model, while others emphasize the need for further exploration of underlying assumptions and potential alternative explanations.

Contextual Notes

Limitations in current simulations and models are acknowledged, particularly regarding their ability to accurately predict galaxy evolution and the dynamics of normal matter. The discussion also highlights the dependency of predictions on various assumptions that may not be universally accepted.

  • #31
On your point 1 no problem, agreed. On point 2, I was just going by the visual appearance of the charts that I've seen. On point 3, I actually wasn't certain if the rule applied to the Newtonian region, so that was my mistaken assumption.
 
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  • #32
Drakkith said:
I have a difficult time believe this. Do you have a reference supporting this?
Re a priori predictions, see, e.g., http://astroweb.case.edu/ssm/papers/GalMONDreview.pdf

Stacy McGaugh, "Predictions and Outcomes for the Dynamics of Rotating Galaxies" (review, 24 pages, 218 references)

A review is given of a priori predictions made for the dynamics of rotating galaxies. One theory — MOND — has had many of its predictions corroborated by subsequent observation. While it is sometimes possible to offer post hoc explanations for these observations in terms of dark matter, it is seldom possible to use dark matter to predict the same phenomena.
 
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  • #33
PeterDonis said:
I have only seen this rule claimed in papers that support MOND. I would want to see some indication from cosmologists who are not MOND proponents that this "rule" is actually a valid feature of the data before putting too much weight on it.
FWIW, Renzo's rule was not from a MOND paper. It was from: Dark Matter in Galaxies; Ryder, S.; Pisano, D.;. Walker, M.; Freeman, K., Eds., 2004, Vol. 220, IAU Symposium, p. 233, [astro-ph/0311348]. The paper is:

https://arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0311348

[Submitted on 14 Nov 2003]

The visible matter - dark matter coupling​

Renzo Sancisi (INAF - Osservatorio Astronomico di Bologna, Italy; Kapteyn Astronomical Institute, The Netherlands)
In the inner parts of spiral galaxies, of high or low surface brightness, there is a close correlation between rotation curve shape and light distribution. For any feature in the luminosity profile there is a corresponding feature in the rotation curve and vice versa. This implies that the gravitational potential is strongly correlated with the distribution of luminosity: either the luminous mass dominates or there is a close coupling between luminous and dark matter. In a similar way, the declining rotation curves observed in the outer parts of high luminosity systems are a clear signature of the stellar disk which either dominates or traces the distribution of mass.

The notion that the baryons are dynamically important in the centres of galaxies, including LSBs, undermines the whole controversy over the cusps in CDM halos and the comparison with the observations. If the baryons dominate in the central regions of all spirals, including LSBs, how can the CDM profiles be compared with the observations? Alternatively, if the baryons do not dominate but simply trace the DM distribution, why, in systems of comparable luminosity, are some DM halos cuspy (like the light) and others (also like the light) are not?
 
  • #34
ohwilleke said:
The paper is
Hm, it looks like this paper is saying the rule only applies in the inner parts of spiral galaxies. I'll take a closer look when I get a chance.
 
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  • #35
This thread has run its course and is now closed.
 

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