http://ask.metafilter.com/tags/dark-energy Questions tagged with 'dark-energy' at Ask MetaFilter. Mon, 26 Jun 2006 18:33:26 -0800 Mon, 26 Jun 2006 18:33:26 -0800 en-us http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 60 http://ask.metafilter.com/40982/Is%2DDark%2DMatter%2Dthe%2Dnew%2DPhlogiston Is Dark Matter the new Phlogiston? <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phlogiston_theory">Phlogiston</a> is an obsolete 17th Century scientific theory which holds that all flammable materials contain a colourless, weightless matter which is freed in the process of burning.<br> <br> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark_Matter">Dark Matter</a>, and it's sister force <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark_Energy">Dark Energy</a>, are invisible, omnipresent entities which theory suggests accounts for well over 95% of all the density of the universe. <br> <br> Will the Dark forces turn out to be nothing more than a 20th century <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Obsolete_scientific_theories">scientific folley</a>? My favourite refutation of these Dark forces conerns the existence of higher dimensions of space-time in which alternate universes hang mere nano metres away, excerting a gravitational force which registers on our instruments, but can never be directly accessed. <br> <br> Which alternate hypothesis draws you? and, In the annals of history, what other 'laughing stock theories' could Dark Matter be better compared to? tag:ask.metafilter.com,2006:site.40982 Mon, 26 Jun 2006 18:33:26 -0800 dark-energy dark-matter history ideas physics research science theory weird 0bvious