What else do we know about dark matter?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around dark matter, specifically its properties, potential interactions, and the challenges associated with detecting it. Participants explore various theories and models related to dark matter, including WIMPs and their implications in the context of quantum mechanics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that dark matter exists primarily in galactic halos and is crucial for galactic formation, while its interaction is primarily gravitational.
  • There is uncertainty about whether dark matter interacts at all, with a prevailing assumption that it likely does so very weakly.
  • WIMPs are proposed as primary candidates for dark matter particles, but challenges in experimentation arise due to their weak interactions with other matter.
  • Efforts to detect dark matter have been ongoing, with various experiments and technologies being developed, including those at the LHC and projects like DAMA/Libra and COUPP-60.
  • Some participants inquire about the relationship between dark matter and quantum mechanics, suggesting that if dark matter consists of WIMPs, it would be subject to quantum mechanics at small scales.
  • Hypothetical models such as supersymmetry and axion models are mentioned as potential frameworks for understanding dark matter particles.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views regarding the properties and detection of dark matter, with no consensus reached on the specifics of its interactions or the effectiveness of current detection methods.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the assumptions made about dark matter interactions and the definitions of various theoretical models. The exploration of dark matter remains speculative, with unresolved aspects concerning its detection and behavior.

ryanuser
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Hi, i got interested in the dark matter, rather than dark matter is another potential force/particles than gravity to create the galaxies what other influences it does that we are currently aware of?

Thanks
(Keep it simple please, high school student)
 
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Sorry, but I find your post a bit incoherent so I'm not clear on what you DO understand about dark matter.

What we know is basically two things

(1) There is a LOT of it and it exists primarily in galactic halos and is likely instrumental in galactic formation.
(2) It interacts only gravitationally, not via electromagnetic radiation (by either emission or absorption) with the rest of the universe.

#2 is a bit unclear. We don't KNOW that it interacts at all, but I think the consensus assumption is that it very likely does, albeit in a very weak manner. The primary candidate for dark matter particles is WIMPs.
 
If we know WIMPs then why we can not make any experimentations on it to understand how it behaves in different situations?
 
ryanuser said:
If we know WIMPs then why we can not make any experimentations on it to understand how it behaves in different situations?

Because they don't interact with much of anything and we can't CATCH any.
 
Efforts to directly detect dark matter have been underway for a number of years now. The necessary technology is relatively new. It was one of the goals of the LHC, and also projects like DAMA/Libra and COUPP-60.
 
Is there any theories about it yet?
Is there anything to do with quantum mechanics?
 
ryanuser said:
Is there any theories about it yet?
Is there anything to do with quantum mechanics?
The more popular theories that contain dark matter particle candidates possesses a special symmetry called supersymmetry. There are also non-supersymmetric models, like axion models. These are all hypothetical. Dark matter, if it turns out to consist of WIMPs, would be subject to quantum mechanics at the smallest scales just like ordinary matter.
 

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