I Why do dark matter and baryon matter have different distributions?

AI Thread Summary
Dark matter is primarily found in halos surrounding galaxies, while baryon matter forms tightly bound structures like spiral galaxies due to its ability to radiate energy through electromagnetic interactions. This radiation allows baryon matter to clump together more effectively than dark matter, which does not radiate. The discussion highlights that not all galaxies are spiral, but those that are tend to be more tightly bound than their dark matter halos. The differences in distribution stem from the fundamental properties of these two types of matter. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for comprehending galaxy formation and structure.
Demystifier
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Dark matter is distributed in halos around visible galaxies, while baryon matter is distributed in spiral-shaped visible galaxies. Where does this difference come from?
 
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Baryon matter has the ability to radiate away energy through its electromagnetic interactions, which leads to the ability to clump together in more tightly bound systems.

Edit: Also, not all galaxies are spiral galaxies, but they are generally more tightly bound than their halos.
 
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Your question gives me the chance to cite one a fun paper. Dark matter doesn't radiate of course. If it did it wouldn't be dark. The consequences of that are given in the paper.

slask-png.png


The picture above is from a very entertaining paper, The Potato Radius: a Lower Minimum Size for Dwarf Planets you might have fun reading it.
 
anorlunda said:
Dark matter doesn't radiate of course.
Caveat: At least not very strongly. :rolleyes:
 
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Orodruin said:
Caveat: At least not very strongly. :rolleyes:
The question and answer remind me of the fuzzy wuzzy poem. :cool: If I was more literate, I could make an analogous poem about dark matter.

Fuzzy Wuzzy was a bear.
Fuzzy Wuzzy had no hair.
Fuzzy Wuzzy wasn't fuzzy was he?
 

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