Challenging Traditional Theories: A New Model of Non-Local Interaction Between Dark Matter and Gravity

A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at SISSA (Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati) has challenged traditional theories about dark matter and its interaction with gravity. The study, recently published in The Astrophysical Journal, suggests that dark matter interacts with gravity in a non-local way, offering new perspectives on the nature of this mysterious component of the Universe.

Isaac Newton’s theory of gravity described it as a force that acts instantaneously across space, with astronomical objects immediately sensing the effects of each other regardless of their separation. This concept inspired Albert Einstein to develop the theory of general relativity, where gravity is seen as a local deformation of spacetime.

However, the principle of locality states that an object is only directly influenced by its immediate surroundings, and distant objects cannot communicate instantaneously. In the past century, physicists have discovered that non-local phenomena exist and are fundamental to understanding the nature of reality, thanks to the development of quantum mechanics.

The new study from SISSA proposes a new model of non-local interaction between dark matter and gravity. According to the authors, Ph.D. students Francesco Benetti and Giovanni Gandolfi, along with their supervisor Andrea Lapi, this discovery could provide a fresh perspective on the still unclear nature of dark matter.

Dark matter is a fundamental component of the Universe, responsible for the formation of the structures observed today and contributing to the motion of stars in galaxies. However, its nature and interaction with gravity, especially in smaller galaxies, remain mysterious.

The authors of the study explain that the scientific community has made significant efforts to understand these enigmatic phenomena in recent decades, but many questions remain unanswered. To explore the nature of dark matter and its interaction with gravity, a new approach may be necessary. The research from SISSA aims to do just that.

The study proposes a new model of non-local interaction, where all the matter in the universe influences the motion of dark matter in a galaxy. To model this non-locality, the researchers employed fractional calculus, a mathematical tool that has recently found applications in various areas of physics but had never been tested in astrophysics before.

Surprisingly, experimental results on thousands of galaxies of different types have shown that the new model more accurately describes the motion of stars compared to the standard theory of gravity. This non-locality appears to emerge as a collective behavior of dark matter particles within a confined system, particularly in small-sized galaxies.

While this discovery provides new insights into the nature of dark matter, many questions still need to be answered. The precise emergence of non-locality and its implications within larger structures, such as galaxy clusters, or in phenomena like gravitational lensing, remain to be explored.

The researchers also highlight the need to reconsider the standard model of cosmology considering this new mechanism. Further studies will be conducted to delve into these implications and potentially resolve other unresolved questions about the Universe.

Advancements in understanding the nature of dark matter represent a significant step towards a better knowledge of our Universe. Ongoing research continues to provide new perspectives and brings us closer to a comprehensive understanding of the phenomena that surround us.

Reference: “Dark Matter in Fractional Gravity. I. Astrophysical Tests on Galactic Scales” by Francesco Benetti, Andrea Lapi, Giovanni Gandolfi, Paolo Salucci, and Luigi Danese, 31 May 2023, The Astrophysical Journal.
DOI: 10.3847/1538-4357/acc8ca

How does the concept of non-locality challenge the traditional view of gravity’s interaction with dark matter?

Ction with gravity, the SISSA researchers turned to the concept of non-locality.

In their model, the researchers propose that dark matter interacts with gravity in a non-local way, meaning that distant objects can influence each other without the need for instantaneous communication. This challenges the traditional view of gravity as a local force, as described by Newton’s theory and Einstein’s general relativity.

The principle of non-locality has gained significant importance in physics with the development of quantum mechanics. Quantum entanglement, for example, demonstrates how particles can be instantaneously connected regardless of their distance from each other.

By applying the concept of non-locality to dark matter, the researchers hope to shed light on its elusive nature. Dark matter is a crucial component of the Universe, accounting for a majority of its mass. It plays a crucial role in the formation of galaxies and the behavior of stars within them.

However, scientists have been unable to directly observe or fully understand dark matter. Its interaction with gravity, especially in smaller galaxies, remains a mystery.

The SISSA study provides a new perspective on this puzzling phenomenon. By proposing a non-local model of interaction between dark matter and gravity, the researchers hope to open up new avenues for exploration and potentially make breakthroughs in our understanding of dark matter.

The study conducted by the SISSA researchers challenges traditional theories about dark matter and its interaction with gravity. By considering the concept of non-locality, the researchers aim to provide fresh insights into the nature of this mysterious component of the Universe. Further research and experimentation will be needed to fully understand the implications of their findings and to unlock the secrets of dark matter.