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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the nature of space-time curvature and its potential relationship to dark matter, questioning whether curvature is an inherent property of space-time rather than a result of matter. It touches on concepts related to cosmological constants and the implications for understanding dark energy versus dark matter.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that space-time curvature may be an inherent characteristic of space-time, potentially explaining dark matter.
  • Others argue that a non-zero cosmological constant implies an inherent curvature of space-time, which could relate to dark energy rather than dark matter.
  • One participant notes that a cosmological constant provides global curvature, not local curvature.
  • There is a suggestion that matter may not be the cause of space-time curvature, but rather that curvature existed prior to the presence of matter.
  • A later reply emphasizes the need for valid justification from peer-reviewed sources to support the claim that curvature exists independently of matter.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of space-time curvature and its relation to dark matter and dark energy. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives present.

Contextual Notes

Some claims rely on assumptions about the nature of curvature and its dependence on definitions of dark matter and dark energy. The discussion includes speculative elements that have not been substantiated with peer-reviewed sources.

Grieverheart
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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?
 
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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.
 
Yes but a cosmological constant in a sense gives a global curvature not a local one.
 
Grieverheart said:
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?
 
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.
 
Grieverheart said:
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.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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 .
 

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