World Science Scholars

2.5 Laws and Observations

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    • When astronomers like Fritz Zwicky and Vera Rubin made observations of cosmic bodies not quite adhering to Newton’s gravitational laws, it led the field of cosmology to attribute the effects to unseen “dark matter.” But what if it’s the laws themselves that don’t apply to our observations? Just as Newtonian mechanics breaks down at relativistic speeds, perhaps there is a “blind spot” in its accounting for phenomena like Dark Matter. What do you think of this tension? What are the risks and rewards of retrofitting new observations on established physical laws versus attempting to extend the laws themselves?

    • It was the Israel physicist Milgrom who suggested the MOdified Newtonian Dynamics, MOND, which from the beginning solved the puzzle of the galactic rotation, confirming several predictions since then. Zwicky’s idea was the stroke of a genius at the time, and Rubin did no less. Of course it was necessary to try to find this unseen matter. A survey with the HST revealed about 10 times more unseen galaxies than accounted for so far. The gap is closing. Consequently, I think that both ways need to be taken: Observe, evaluate – and don’t rule out anything prematurely.

    • i think that is incredible that the entire humanity work toghether to solve some of the most physics problems lire the Dark matter or the Dark energy.

    • Fabulous course, love the presentation. I think with all these detectors and accelerators it won’t be long before we have the answer to what dark matter actually is.

    • Dark matter and dark energy are THE obstacles for western science. Some day they may reveal themselves, but until then, we must remain modest.

    • It is natural to hold on to an old and familiar theory, as long as it still works. Thereafter Ockhams Razor is a good, but not infallible, guide.

    • Well that was one hour lost to a wrong key punch.

      Bridging the gaps of knowledge can offer a remedy until more empirical proof is found.

      Risks and rewards include needing another generation to transcend current…often cultural biases.

      Usually 50 years allows the posturing to relent on historical topics.

    • Quite fascinating

    • observe and decide which is best, blindly holding on to past or letting go to soon are both roadblocks to knowledge gain. some things need to be let go like geocentric cosmology, and then heliocentric both had to go. now we’re up to the CMB, what level will we be in another century… two?

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