Dark Matter becomes weirder than Sci-fi.
It appears that only 4% of the universe is visible, the rest is made of Dark Matter. That’s right – 96% of the known universe is made of something we can’t see.
And as for Dark Energy (DE to us buffs), that accounts for 70% of all the energy in the known universe and we haven’t a clue what it is.
All the ‘ordinary’ matter in the universe is made of atoms and all atoms are made of quarks. Everything is made of the same building blocks.
But Dark Matter (DM to us authorities on the subject) is made of something else. It does not appear to be quarks. So I will deign to name them prior to their discovery. I want it noted that the subatomic particles that make up the ‘atoms’ (or Goodwins, as they are now termed) of Dark Matter are to henceforth be known as Ophers.
I predict that there will be a number of different Ophers just as there are with quarks. Rather than calling them upward, downward, strange and charm as with quarks I want them named after my favourite Rock stars. So, depending on how many we later discover, in descending order, I want them named Roys (after Roy Harper), Dylans (after Bob Dylan) Beefies (After Captain Beefheart), Jimis (After Jimi Hendrix and Woodys (after Woody Guthrie). If there are more discovered then I would like them called Elmores (after Elmore James) and Nicks (after Nick Harper). Hopefully we’ll eventually discovered loads more and we can deploy Howlins (after Howlin Wolf) and Muddy’s (after Muddy Waters) as well as Beatles and Countrys (after the Fab Four and Country Joe and the Fish).
The interesting thing about Dark Matter is that it is probably all around us but we cannot see it or feel it. It is only detectable by its gravitational effect. There is a whole world out there made of Ophers all constructed out of Roys, Dylans, Jimis, Beefies, Nicks, Elmores and Woodys. There are people just like us moving through us right now having a conversation that is a conjecture about what the other 4% of their Dark Matter might be made of.
I told you it was weirder than imagination.
Very funny Opher. I’m glad you’re an expert.
But isn’t all this level of Physics even more preposterous (as a story) than God creating the world in 7 days?
Are there actually any physicists who understand this stuff?
I agree. Life is stranger than fiction. Given the size of us and our brains in comparison to the spectacular dimensions and complexity of an infinite universe of multiverses it’s a wonder we understand a fraction of what we already do. But then we are only at the beginning. When somebody asked AP Taylor when the Dark Ages finished he chuckled and said ‘We’re still living them’.
Your blog is so interesting and detailed. I have just posted a page on creation and the big bang. Check out my blog, I have just posted a page on the start of time. Hope you enjoy it.
Thank you. I enjoyed yours too. I will check out your Big Bang and see if it’s bigger than mine – cheers Opher
Thank you. I loved your blog so much. It is so relatable and interesting. Looking forward to your next post!
I’m glad to hear it. I’m going to be writing books today. So I’m not sure I’ll have time for a post. Maybe tomorrow. What are you working on?
Nothing much yet. I’ll see what my surrounding inspire me and I’ll write about them 😉
That’s OK – something will come to mind. It usually comes out of left-field.