Quote:
Originally Posted by xelasnave
I do feel that the reliance on the prospect that dark matter exists and to settle upon such a conclusion as valid prevents consideration of alternatives or adjustment to our current understanding of gravity.
I am not at odds with GR per se but when we have to introduce dark matter as the only possible answer I feel we may be denying the opportunity of other ideas.
alex  |
The pre-occupation with the dark matter proposal results from our inability to formulate an alternative model that will explain all the current observations. As you say, most of the current research and modeling hinges on the existence of dark matter to simplify explanations of gravitational anomalies. I feel that eventually a convergence of discoveries and ideas from various fields (dynamic physics, GR and quantum physics) will lead to the correct interpretation.
If evidence for dark matter increases (e.g. discovery of its particle nature) then we can all applaud the time and effort spent looking for it.
Regards, Rob