What if Dark Matter Doesn’t Actually Exist?
Dark matter is the leading explanation for the unseen mass influencing the universe's structure, yet it has not been directly detected. Some scientists question its existence and suggest alternatives, such as modifications to the laws of gravity. Despite the lack of definitive proof, dark matter remains the most consistent with current observations, though the debate remains open.
- ▪Dark matter is a hypothetical form of matter that does not interact with light but exerts gravitational influence, believed to make up about 85% of the universe's mass.
- ▪Despite widespread acceptance, there is no direct evidence of dark matter, and experiments have yet to confirm its existence.
- ▪Alternatives to dark matter include modified theories of gravity, such as those proposed by researchers like Stacy McGaugh and Sabine Hossenfelder.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
A huge chunk of the universe is missing. It’s nowhere to be seen, at least not with anything that humanity is technologically capable of capturing at this moment. But astronomers know that there’s something there—the gravitational influence of an invisible material that constitutes roughly 85% of the universe’s mass. As of now, the best explanation scientists have for this is dark matter, a hypothetical form of matter that doesn’t absorb, emit, or reflect light.…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Gizmodo.