Is Dark Matter Real? - with Sabine Hossenfelder

What is the evidence for and against dark matter? Sabine argues for the superfluidity of dark matter that allows for a suitable combination of dark matter and a modification of general relativity.

For more than 80 years, astrophysicists have collected data that suggests 80% of matter in the universe is 'dark'. These observations have led them to believe that it is made up of an as yet unknown substance.

Sabine Hossenfelder is a physicist and science writer. She is currently a research fellow at the Frankfurt Institute for Advanced Studies. Sabine's research focuses on the foundations of physics. But her interests extend to the philosophy and sociology of science. Sabine partly works as science writer. Her writing has been published, among others, in Scientific American, New Scientist, Nautilus, Aeon, and the New York Times. Sabine has an active YouTube Channel dedicated to communicating current science news and scientific methods in general.

This talk was recorded on 10 June 2021.

Image credit: Illustris Collaboration

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[Siderite]

I like how she paused after saying Einstein, probably considering whether to say "yes! that guy again"

[eljcd]

It's great to see Dr. Hossenfelder in the RI channel. I hope that someday we can see her lecturing in the hall!

[illogicmath]

This is absolutely the best public lecture on dark matter I've ever seen on YouTube

[ShauriePvs]

I guess Sabine would have loved giving lecture in the actual royal institution stage offline.. But still happy to see her in this channel

[effiebriest]

Sabine allways gives me the feeling, I could maybe understand physics. Also, in addition to all the great content we get from RI, finally this is one with good audio. Danke Sabine!

[trucid]

It was an unexpected surprise to see this video in my feed. Go Sabine!

[alexanderstainton]

What a great overview. Most dark matter content normally focuses on one possible theory without giving context on the extent of problems that need to be solved.

[baoboumusic]

This is pretty awesome. I like that it starts from the question pretty much everyone has, and doesn't evade any of the other questions either. Well done Professor Hossenfelder and RI.

[nurk_barry]

Tried to watch this last jogger before bed after a long day at work, was exhausted but still kept trying to stay awake and take in the lecture, this morning I’m watching it again. Love Sabine!

[wuyqrbt]

*SABINE??!!*
*REALLY?*
*I LOVE Sabine Hossenfelder, she's great.*
Thank you so much *RI* .

[JimGobetz]

Just joining with many who have posted before me, it's great to see Sabine at the RI. It's great to hear her anywhere but especially nice at RI. Thanks for this great content.

[georganatoly]

you know the channel cares about scientific validity and integrity when the first noun in their video's description is 'evidence' -- a refreshing change in priorities compared to some other pop-sci youtubers

[dorgarm]

Doctor Hossenfelder is truly one of the greatest physics educators! So happy to see her work with the RI!

[axemand]

Sabine on RI. I'm a bit disappointed she never got the chance to present in person at the hall.

[deltalima]

I appreciate that Sabine added in some speculative stuff about superfluids, it was pretty clear that it is speculative too. A very nice talk from Sabine and RI. :)

[rbewoor]

Brilliant! Simply brilliant video and explanation. Sabine i have been a fan of your channel. Your ability to convey dense subject matter in a clear, concise, and still keeping it so interesting is par excellence. Thank you to you and RI for making this video available to us all.

[malcolmtent]

Just in case you didn’t know, Sabine has a superb YouTube channel.

[terrywbreedlove]

I suppose Dark Matter is real in the sense that we can see something is effecting surrounding matter and light. What that something is we still have zero understanding of.

[DWeirich]

Brilliant topics... I am glad there are physicists who can break this stuff down for us regular folk.

[lucemiserlohn]

I really like Sabine's content and approach to science. Skepticism that is grounded in scientific observation instead of opinion or make-belief, and a principled rejection of conjectures that cannot be proven or have not been proven as of yet (proven in the physics sense of: so far it has turned out to make correct predictions and we have not found a wrong prediction YET) and instead rigorous application of Occam's razor. Also, very thoughtful deliberations and jokes about "that guy again", what is there not to like?
Thank you for all the amazing contributions to science education, Dr. Hossenfelder, and if I may make a wish, please do a joint discussion with Dr. Carroll one day, that would be very entertaining :)