What is Dark Matter? | Just Curious

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Dark matter is a hypothetical form of matter that cannot be observed directly but is inferred from its gravitational effects on visible matter, particularly in galaxies. It is theorized to explain the constant high radial velocities of galaxies, which exceed expected values based on visible mass alone. The two main categories of dark matter candidates are WIMPs (Weakly Interacting Massive Particles) and MACHOs (Massive Compact Halo Objects), though MACHOs are often considered less viable due to insufficient baryonic matter. The discussion highlights the ongoing curiosity and research surrounding dark matter, emphasizing the need for further exploration of its properties and implications in astrophysics. Understanding dark matter remains a significant challenge in modern physics.
Cbray
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Just curious to know what dark matter is.
Thanks!
 
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Cbray said:
Just curious to know what dark matter is.
Thanks!

answer that and you get the Nobel Prize
 
Can you give me some theories?
Thanks :)
 
Thanks,
sorry, just trying to shove as much physics in my head as possible ;)
 
Is dark matter thought to be particulate? I thought it wasn't for some reason but reading about WIMPs suggests it is.
 
Cbray said:
Just curious to know what dark matter is.
Thanks!

A hypothetical form of matter whose influence we observe due to gravity.It's theorized to account for the unusual,constant radial velocity of galaxies (elliptical ones) which are significantly higher than our expected values in a region beyond the visible galactic disc.
They're broken down into WIMPS and MACHOS(many disregard these since there isn't enough baryonic matter to consider the 23% of matter,least viable).


-ibysaiyan
 

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