The Dark Matter Problem: A Historical PerspectiveMost astronomers and physicists now believe that the matter content of the Universe is dominated by dark matter: hypothetical particles which interact with normal matter primarily through the force of gravity. Though invisible to current direct detection methods, dark matter can explain a variety of astronomical observations. This book describes how this theory has developed over the past 75 years, and why it is now a central feature of extragalactic astronomy and cosmology. Current attempts to directly detect dark matter locally are discussed, together with the implications for particle physics. The author comments on the sociology of these developments, demonstrating how and why scientists work and interact. Modified Newtonian Dynamics (MOND), the leading alternative to this theory, is also presented. This fascinating overview will interest cosmologists, astronomers and particle physicists. Mathematics is kept to a minimum, so the book can be understood by non-specialists. |
Contents
1 | |
11 | |
the darkhalo solution | 26 |
extended rotation curves of spiral galaxies | 38 |
light traces mass | 57 |
6 Cosmology and the birth of astroparticle physics | 69 |
missing mass found | 87 |
8 CDM confronts galaxy rotation curves | 101 |
introducing dark energy | 119 |
modified Newtonian dynamics | 132 |
the theory and practice of detection | 150 |
a personal point of view | 166 |
Appendix Astronomy made simple | 173 |
References | 195 |
Index | 202 |
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Common terms and phrases
acceleration actually appears assumed astronomical baryonic become calculated called clusters clusters of galaxies collapse comparable component considered consistent constant context cosmic rays cosmological dark matter density detection determine developments direct discrepancy disk distance distribution dominated dynamical early effect electrons energy evidence example existence expanding expected experiment extended fact field first flat fluctuations fluid force formation given gravitational gravitational collapse halo hydrogen idea increasing interact larger light luminosity mass mass-to-light ratio means measured MOND motion neutral neutrinos Newtonian objects observed optical outer paradigm particles photons physics possible predicted present problem produce radiation radio radius range redshift regions relation relativity rotation curve rotation velocity scale seen shown shows solar sphere spiral galaxies standard stars structure supported telescope temperature theory units Universe visible WIMP X-ray