This paragraph states that dark matter surrounds galaxies in a gigantic halo and is totally invisible. However, dark matter can be observed indirectly because it bends starlight, just like glass, hence can be located by the amount of optical distortion it creates.
By being invisible, does that mean we can see through dark matter, or we can not see it because it does not give off any detectable radiation. The "just like glass" comment implies that light goes through dark matter as if it were a medium of higher density, like glass or water, and bends light via refraction. Is that correct? Can light pass through dark matter?
Or is dark matter distorting light by warping space-time with its high gravitational force. Seems like this is the better explanation, but the passage is ambiguous. But if this is the explanation, seems like we would see dark matter blocking the light behind it, or maybe causing a gravitational lense.
Another idea, could dark matter be a ring of rocks similar to the rings of Saturn and Uranus? In that case, at what size and density would the rocks need to be to allow light to pass and yet act as a medium that refracts the passing light. On second thought, I don't think refraction would be possible using a non-uniform or aggregate medium.
Other thoughts?


LinkBack URL
About LinkBacks
Reply With Quote




