Quantum mechanics successfully describes small-scale reality, with manifestations in observable phenomena like superfluids and collapsed star interiors. Axionic dark matter, a potential explanation for unseen mass in the universe, suggests a superfluidic quantum wave holding galaxies together. This contrasts with the mainstream wimp model, which posits exotic particles. Axions, if very light, form fuzzy dark matter, addressing structure formation issues in the universe. Fuzzy dark matter could be detectable through gravitational lensing effects. While cold dark matter models like wimps work well, exploring alternatives like axions offers intriguing possibilities.
1. Quantum mechanics describes the smaller scales of reality.
2. Quantum features can manifest on observable scales in phenomena like superfluids and the interiors of collapsed stars.
3. It's suggested that our galaxy might be held together by a quantum mechanical wave, potentially explaining the dark matter we observe.
4. This theory is referred to as axionic dark matter.
5. Eighty percent of the universe's mass seems to be dark matter.
6. Dark matter is needed to hold galaxies together and to allow them to form.
7. Although we can't directly detect dark matter, we can observe its effects.
8. The Lambda CDM model of cosmology describes dark matter as cold, low-temperature particles that mainly interact through gravity.
9. The mainstream hypothesis posits that dark matter consists of an exotic particle outside the standard model of particle physics.
10. One candidate particle for dark matter is the WIMP (weakly interacting mesoparticle).
11. Axions are another compelling candidate for dark matter.
12. Particles behave as waves on smaller scales.
13. Axionic dark matter behaves as a superfluid.
14. The gravitational effects of wimp and axionic dark matter appear similar.
15. Axionic dark matter might better explain structures in the universe, especially on smaller scales.
16. Axions with extremely low masses are referred to as fuzzy dark matter.
17. Fuzzy dark matter could lead to a grainy structure from galactic-scale interference patterns.
18. String theory predicts the existence of such extremely light axions.
19. Dark matter, whether as wimps or overlapping oscillations of an invisible superfluid, plays a crucial role in our galaxy's structure.