For more than eight decades, proof that dark matter do exist seems to elude even the greatest physicists of our time. They've been searching for that invisible force in the universe where small particles in space gravitate upon.
Dark matter versus dark energy
A new study that was done by Erik P. Venilde titled Emergent Gravity And The Dark Universe, proposed that dark matter is caused by a phenomenon known as the dark energy is causing the increase in gravitational pull in space. This energy also exists in the "space-time" fabric of our vast universe.
Verlinde believed that dark matter is not made up of tiny, invisible particles. Instead, he said that dark matter is simply a combination of dark energy and matter. He cited that even Einstein explained that gravity existed because of matter that existed in the universe.
Simply put, Venilde believed that the dark matter we know is dark energy colliding with matter. He explained that dark energy hitting matter creates holographic images of dark matter. Does this mean that dark matter is an illusion?
Testing the Verlinde's Theory
According to The Atlantic, other scientists are challenging Verlinde's theory on dark matter. They've concluded that the theory supports the MOND or modified Newtonian dynamics equation. This at least warrants a closer look to MOND equations. MOND is a theory which was based on the famous inverse-square law of gravity.
Dark Matter experts weighed in.
In general, experts that had been involved in studying dark matter are not totally convinced with Verlinde's theory. Back in 2010, Verlinde declared that gravity do not exist. According to him, gravity is just a thermodynamic event. Now, he's theorizing that we can only see dark matter because of dark energy.
Experts are not saying that it is impossible. Verlinde's theory can actually infuse curiosity about the topic again. It is quite refreshing to know that dark matter is more than the invisible particles. There's definitely more to it than meets the eye.
