New Insights into the Nature of Dark Matter: A Bold Hypothesis
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Chapter 1: The Unseen Universe
Scientists have utilized advanced instruments like the Hubble Space Telescope and the soon-to-be-launched James Webb Space Telescope to observe numerous distant celestial objects. However, these observations merely scratch the surface of a far more extensive and enigmatic universe. Currently, only about 15% of the universe consists of visible matter, while the remaining majority is composed of unknown dark matter and energy. Although the precise nature of dark matter remains elusive, two theoretical physicists from the University of California, Davis, have introduced a novel hypothesis along with a method to investigate it further.
In their recent presentation at the Planck 2019 conference, researchers John Terning and Christopher Verhaaren discussed their findings, which are also available in a pre-print paper. Their work was motivated by the need to find alternatives to the increasingly doubtful Weakly Interacting Massive Particle (WIMP) theory that has long been a leading explanation for dark matter. Despite extensive experiments, no conclusive evidence supporting the WIMP model has emerged, prompting scientists to explore other possibilities regarding the particles that constitute the estimated quarter of the universe attributed to dark matter.
Section 1.1: Dark Magnetism - A New Perspective
Terning and Verhaaren propose that dark matter could be linked to a concept known as "dark magnetism," which involves a range of theoretical particles. In macroscopic terms, magnets are characterized by having two poles. However, quantum mechanics suggests the existence of monopoles—particles that possess only one pole. The researchers speculate that dark monopoles may exist and could interact with dark photons and dark electrons.
Subsection 1.1.1: Detecting Dark Monopoles
The duo has proposed a potential approach for detecting dark monopoles using an electron beam. As electrons orbit near a monopole, their wave functions would be altered due to quantum theory principles. The phase differences experienced by electrons on opposite sides of a monopole should result in an interference pattern known as the Aharonov-Bohm effect. According to Terning and Verhaaren, it should be feasible to identify the presence of dark monopoles by analyzing the shifts in electron phases during their interaction.
Section 1.2: The Challenge Ahead
Despite the likelihood that dark matter surrounds us constantly, the means to detect it may still be some time away. The anticipated phase shift caused by dark monopoles is exceedingly minute, and the technology required for detection is not yet available. Nevertheless, the researchers remain optimistic, citing the LIGO gravitational wave experiment as an instance of technology eventually aligning with theoretical predictions.
Chapter 2: Exploring Dark Matter's Reality
This video titled "Can Axions Be Dark Matter?" delves into the potential role of axions in the dark matter puzzle, exploring various hypotheses and their implications.
In the video "Is Dark Matter Real? - with Sabine Hossenfelder," the complexities of dark matter are discussed, providing insights from a renowned physicist on whether it truly exists and what that means for our understanding of the universe.