Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: Airthumbs on 08/04/2012 16:12:14

Title: Is Dark matter the key to planet formation?
Post by: Airthumbs on 08/04/2012 16:12:14

I think as I understand it that there seems to be a problem with the best theory we have on the formation of our Solar System.  Everything seems to work until you get to the point where current physics is unable to explain the complete process from dust to planet. 

It seems that something else is needed........... Dark matter?

Title: Re: Is Dark matter the key to planet formation?
Post by: Soul Surfer on 08/04/2012 20:25:41

I do not think dark matter has much to do with it.  This only affects things on a very large scales like galaxies because it does not tend to collect together in small lumps because it is too "hot" to stick just by gravity.  There are no such things as dark matter "stars" If there were they would have been detected by now.  My guess is that electrostatic forces have much more to do with going from fine dust to lumps big enough to collect together under gravitational forces. the light from stars and cosmic rays tend to cause a small amount of ionisation on small particles and this can cause particles with opposite charges to group together or form into loose associations that ingreses the possibility of collisions and contact.

Title: Re: Is Dark matter the key to planet formation?
Post by: Airthumbs on 08/04/2012 20:37:41

Thanks for your help soulsurfer, you now have me intrigued, what do you mean by Dark matter is too hot?

Title: Re: Is Dark matter the key to planet formation?
Post by: acecharly on 08/04/2012 21:24:25

i really dont like this dark matter idea, it keeps poppin up everywhere, something weve never observed in any way shape or form assumed to exist just to make the numbers add up and now its hot aswell....if it exists faiplay im happy but until its been proved il never believe it, infact i think its time for a poll on it.

Title: Re: Is Dark matter the key to planet formation?
Post by: Airthumbs on 08/04/2012 21:42:05

I thought it had been observed, but only indirectly as it causes light to bend as it travels towards us from distant objects.

This youtube video was posted in 2007 and explains how they do detect Dark matter..... or so they say....