A groundbreaking study emanating from SISSA posits that the interaction between dark matter and gravity deviates from locality, thereby calling into question conventional theories and offering innovative viewpoints on the enigmatic character of dark matter. Through the application of fractional calculus, the investigators assert that these non-local interactions provide a more precise depiction of stellar motion, particularly within smaller galaxies.
A new conceptual framework has been proposed by SISSA that suggests a non-local correlation between a galaxy’s dark matter and gravitational forces.
The gravitational theory posited by Isaac Newton was conceived as an instantaneous force acting over spatial distances: the influence of one celestial body is instantaneously felt by another, regardless of the distance separating them. This notion laid the groundwork for Einstein’s acclaimed theory of general relativity, wherein gravity manifests as localized warping of spacetime.
The principle of locality stipulates that an object is only immediately affected by its adjacent environment; influences from remote objects cannot occur instantaneously but are confined to immediate surroundings. However, the advent and subsequent evolution of quantum mechanics over the last century have unveiled that non-local phenomena are not only extant but are also essential to a comprehensive understanding of reality’s fabric.
The latest research, undertaken by SISSA – the International School for Advanced Studies, and recently published in The Astrophysical Journal, advocates for a non-local interaction between dark matter, one of the universe’s most elusive components, and gravity. The research was conducted by Ph.D. candidates Francesco Benetti and Giovanni Gandolfi, supervised by Andrea Lapi, and posits a novel perspective on the yet-to-be-understood nature of dark matter.
Dark matter constitutes a crucial element of the natural world: it plays an integral role in the formation of universal structures and envelops visible matter within galaxies, influencing the celestial mechanics of stars. Nonetheless, the particular nature of dark matter, especially its behavior with regard to gravity in less expansive galaxies, remains an area of active inquiry.
“For several decades, concerted efforts within the scientific realm have been geared toward deciphering these elusive phenomena, yet numerous questions persist. A new investigative methodology might be requisite for unveiling the true character of dark matter and its gravitational interactions,” state the study’s authors. The current research from SISSA navigates this complex trajectory.
The study presents a new framework for non-local interaction between a galaxy’s dark matter and gravitational forces. As the authors articulate, “It appears as though the totality of matter in the universe instructs the dark matter in a galaxy on its movement patterns.”
The researchers utilized fractional calculus as the mathematical apparatus to model this non-local behavior. While originally developed in the 17th century, this form of calculus has only recently found applications in diverse sectors of physics, but it has never been applied in the context of astrophysics until now.
“We speculated whether fractional calculus might furnish the answer to the perplexing questions surrounding dark matter and its gravitational interactions. Astoundingly, empirical data collected from a multitude of galaxies of various classifications indicated that the new model more precisely mirrors the kinematics of stars compared to conventional gravitational theories,” elucidate the authors.
This observed non-locality seems to arise as a collective attribute of dark matter particles within bounded systems, thereby gaining particular relevance in smaller galaxies. A comprehensive grasp of this phenomenon could potentially elucidate the true essence of dark matter.
“However, numerous queries remain unresolved,” the authors underscore. “What is the precise mechanism underlying the emergence of non-locality? What ramifications does it bear for larger cosmic configurations like galaxy clusters, or phenomena such as gravitational lensing that enables us to perceive faraway celestial bodies?”
Moreover, this newly proposed mechanism necessitates a reevaluation of the prevailing cosmological model.
“Subsequent research endeavors will be focused on scrutinizing these various facets and beyond. It would not be unanticipated to discover that other enigmas about the universe could be clarified via this newfound non-locality,” conclude the authors.
Strides in apprehending the intricacies of dark matter signify a pivotal advancement toward a more thorough understanding of our universe. Continued research perpetually uncovers new angles, inching us closer to a holistic comprehension of the diverse phenomena that envelop 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, published on 31 May 2023, in The Astrophysical Journal.
DOI: 10.3847/1538-4357/acc8ca
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Non-Local Interaction of Dark Matter and Gravity
What is the main focus of the recent study conducted by SISSA?
The main focus of the study is to investigate how dark matter interacts with gravity. It particularly challenges existing theories by suggesting that this interaction is non-local in nature. The researchers use fractional calculus to support their findings, offering a more accurate description of the motion of stars in smaller galaxies.
What does “non-local interaction” mean in the context of this study?
Non-local interaction in this context means that dark matter in a galaxy is influenced not just by its immediate surroundings, but also by distant matter and forces. This contrasts with the principle of locality, which states that an object is influenced only by its immediate environment.
Who are the authors of the study and where was it published?
The authors of the study are Ph.D. students Francesco Benetti and Giovanni Gandolfi, along with their supervisor Andrea Lapi. The study was published in The Astrophysical Journal.
How does this study challenge existing theories like Newton’s law of gravity and Einstein’s general relativity?
Newton’s theory of gravity and Einstein’s general relativity are based on the principle of locality, which states that an object is influenced only by its immediate environment. The new SISSA study suggests that dark matter does not conform to this principle, interacting with gravity in a non-local way.
What mathematical tool did the researchers use to support their findings?
The researchers employed fractional calculus, a mathematical tool that has been around since the 17th century but has found modern applications only recently. This is the first time it has been applied in the field of astrophysics to model non-local interactions.
Why is the study’s focus on smaller galaxies particularly important?
The focus on smaller galaxies is important because it allows for a more nuanced understanding of how dark matter interacts with gravity. The study indicates that non-local interactions more accurately describe the motion of stars in these galaxies, which could provide new insights into the nature of dark matter.
What are the future implications of this study?
The study opens new avenues for reevaluating existing cosmological models and exploring the nature of dark matter and its interactions with other forces. It suggests that further research could potentially resolve other unresolved questions about the Universe.
What questions remain unanswered according to the authors?
According to the authors, many questions remain to be answered, including the precise mechanism underlying the emergence of non-locality and its ramifications within larger cosmic configurations like galaxy clusters. They also cite the need to explore its impact on phenomena like gravitational lensing.
More about Non-Local Interaction of Dark Matter and Gravity
- The Astrophysical Journal
- SISSA – Scuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati
- Introduction to Fractional Calculus
- General Relativity
- Principle of Locality in Quantum Mechanics
- Understanding Dark Matter
- Isaac Newton’s Theory of Gravity
- Cosmological Models
- Gravitational Lensing
- Quantum Mechanics and Reality
