Galaxies Without Dark Matter: A New Discovery Challenges Physics
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Chapter 1: New Discoveries in Astrophysics
Recent research has unveiled dwarf galaxies devoid of dark matter, throwing the standard cosmological model into uncertainty. These galaxies, which appear distorted, cannot be adequately explained by existing theories.
Dwarf galaxies, significantly smaller than typical galaxies, contain millions or billions of stars instead of trillions. They often orbit larger galaxies, such as the Milky Way’s satellite galaxies—the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds.
Traditionally, dark matter is found in the galaxy's surrounding halo. For instance, in early 2021, researchers at MIT determined that the Tukan II dwarf galaxy’s halo has a dark matter presence that is 3 to 5 times greater than earlier estimates. However, a team from the University of Bonn and the University of St Andrews has now reported dwarf galaxies where the dark matter halo is likely absent.
Section 1.1: Distorted Structures in the Fornax Cluster
These unusual dwarf galaxies reside in the Fornax Cluster, located about 62 million light-years from Earth. Observations have revealed strikingly distorted shapes, suggesting they have been influenced by immense gravitational forces.
“Such distortions in the dwarf galaxies within the Fornax Cluster are unexpected,” states Prof. Pavel Kroupa from the University of Bonn and Charles University in Prague. “According to current models, these galaxies should be partially shielded from external gravitational forces by a dark matter halo.”
The interaction of galaxies is influenced by various factors, including the mass of the galaxy, its internal structure, and its proximity to the cluster's center, where gravitational forces are most intense. For example, a large galaxy with a sparse star population can be easily altered by nearby gravitational interactions.
Section 1.2: Modified Newtonian Dynamics Explained
Using the VLT Survey Telescope in the Atacama Desert and the European Southern Observatory, scientists observed the dwarf galaxies in the Fornax Cluster, leading to surprising results. The distorted shapes of these galaxies could not be reconciled with the standard cosmological model.
However, the observations align well with a less mainstream theory known as modified Newtonian dynamics (MOND). Developed in the 1980s, MOND modifies the law of universal gravity and does not invoke dark matter, suggesting instead that gravitational effects vary based on specific galaxy characteristics.
Chapter 2: Implications for Future Research
The first video titled "Did we make a mistake? Dark matter alternative now looks like statistical error" discusses the implications of these new findings on dark matter theories.
In the second video, "No Dark Matter? New research suggests that our universe has no dark matter," researchers explore the potential absence of dark matter in our universe.
Dr. Indranil Banik from the University of St Andrews acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding the survival of dwarf galaxies within clusters without dark matter halos. Still, the findings indicate a strong correlation between the observed distortions and the predictions made by the MOND model.
“We believe these findings could fundamentally alter our understanding of physics,” asserts Dr. Hongsheng Zhao from the University of St Andrews. “We anticipate discovering more distorted dwarf galaxies in other clusters, providing further avenues for verification by other research teams.”
As observations increasingly support alternatives to dark matter, Prof. Kroupa emphasizes the need for greater investment in exploring promising new theories.
The research paper detailing these findings has been published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.
Source: Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, Universität Bonn, MIT
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