Space theory.

I have a theory about dark matter. What if "dark matter" is really just the purest form of matter and as it decays it becomes the various random elements that make up the universe: O2, hydrogen and so on, and that there is an infinite amount of it constantly decaying at such a fast rate that nothing known to human science can keep up with it. The exception being light of course.

Just one question. If there is an infinite source of dark matter producing the elements, then where does this dark matter come from? I for one subscribe to the multiverse theory, but as much as I wish that there was some form of dimensional rift leading to another dimension where the dark matter is leaking through, I think in order for it to fill up the universe, the rift would have to be so big that it deserves a two-parter Doctor Who Finale.

I actually like the sound of this theory (Dark Matter becomes regular matter), don't get me wrong, but the idea of an infinite amount of any matter sounds iffy to me.

Hmmm...perhaps the dark matter is simply empty space that has taken physical form?

If it has a physical form, then it's very likely that we would have discovered the presence of Dark Matter definitively by now, but it's been ages since I've read up on the subject of Dark Matter. =\

We have yet to discover it because it is decaying at such an alarmingly fast rate, we would never be able to catch up to it.

But aren't the elements created by nuclear fusion in the cores of stars? I mean, it would still allow your theory, but then dark matter would only create hydrogen instead of all elements.

Well, I was assuming he meant that his version of dark matter would be able to somehow create the same elements as those created in stars.

Hmm, but how would that happen? Would the elements fuse within the dark matter?

I think that the necessary components for all of the elements are contained within dark matter and when it decays it turns into little bits of each.

Well, that would mean dark matter contains protons, neurons and electrons, all of which have a certain mass, all of which dark matter lacks, as described here:

Shouldnt this go in the General Philosophy section?

Philosophy and space/physical science are two totally different things, at least in my opinion.

I was just saying that because most of these type of threads do get dumped into the general philosophy section but it's not my decision so...

There really needs to be a general science section .

I agree.

How do we know that it lacks those things? we have never made contact with it.

As I'm not a scientist, I couldn't give you the real answer, but I'd say that it's either the definition of dark matter, or it might have something to do with the fact that it doesn't emit any light or radiation.

But, you also say it is infinite. However, that would also mean the universe is infinite, which is still an uncertainty. For now, estimates are that 15% of all matter in the universe is chemical matter, and the other 85% is dark matter. If dark matter would decay into chemical matter, it's either going at in incredibly slow pace, or the estimates are completely off. Then again, if it indeed were infinite, chemical matter would also be infinite, therefore, the estimates are irrelevant.

EDIT: I completely agree with the science section. Not just this kind of science though, things like engineering and IT are quite interesting as well at times, although IT tends to go into ethics quite a bit as well.

We should get a mod to move this to the new science section.