Space-Time Curvature: A New Perspective on Dark Matter?

[Grieverheart]

Could it be possible that space-time curvature is not caused by matter but is an inherent characteristic of space-time? Wouldn't this explain dark matter?

 

[George Jones]

If there is a non-zero cosmological constant, then spacetime is inherently curved in the sense that flat Minkowski spacetime is not possible. This could be dark energy, not dark matter.

 

[Grieverheart]

Yes but a cosmological constant in a sense gives a global curvature not a local one.

 

[George Jones]

Yes but a cosmological constant in a sense gives a global curvature not a local one.

Yes, I interpreted "inherently curved" to mean everywhere and at all times. Now I don't know what you have in mind. Spacetime curvature that can vary arbitrarily?

 

[Grieverheart]

Yes, my thought is that maybe matter is not what curves space-time (i.e. it is not matter that attracts matter) but a curvature already existed in place beforehand.

 

[ZapperZ]

Yes, my thought is that maybe matter is not what curves space-time (i.e. it is not matter that attracts matter) but a curvature already existed in place beforehand.

Then you need some valid justification (as in peer-reviewed sources) for that or else this thread is considered as speculative. Please review the https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=414380" on our policy of such a discussion.

Zz.

 

[Grieverheart]

Yes, sorry for posting on the wrong forum and thanks for pointing that out. I guess I'll wait for the thread to get delete or moved then :S .