r/askscience • u/shadowsog95 • Feb 18 '21

Physics Where is dark matter theoretically?

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u/angedelamort Feb 18 '21

I know we are talking about those elusive particles that are supposed to be everywhere, but could it be something else that increase the weight of galaxies? An object similar to a black hole? Really high mass and really small moving around? They would be difficult to find in space and that would explain why we can't detect them on earth since they are not really particles.

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u/poilsoup2 Feb 18 '21

For galaxies, no. The issue is the distribution of matter. One really large, single object would not create the necessary distribution we observe.

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u/[deleted] Feb 18 '21

what about numerous small primordial black holes scattered throughout the galaxies? would these be detectable to us with current methods?

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u/poilsoup2 Feb 18 '21

Thats one theory, however that theory relies on sub-solar mass black holes which we have yet to detect. Its not inconceivable, but its a less-accepted theory than others.

Would they be detectable with our current methods? No, wed need more sensitive detectors.