Does Axionic Dark Matter Bind Galaxies Together?

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Quantum mechanics is our best theory of the fundamental nature of reality, but it's usually only distinguishable from familiar classical mechanics on the smallest scales. However, there are some fringe cases where its distinct features manifest on scales we can observe—in things like superfluids, or the interiors of collapsed stars. But it’s also possible that our entire galaxy is filled with a reverberating quantum mechanical wave that literally holds the galaxy together—and in fact explains all the dark matter that we see across the universe. And this isn’t even a fringe theory. It’s axionic dark matter.

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Hey Space Timers! Last week we found that some audience members experienced audio issues as the result of YouTube's processing of the video. We've made the adjustments we can to improve the audio experience, but we are currently discussing the matter directly with YouTube. If you experience any audio issues, please respond to this comment with the time code and what you're experiencing. This will help us as we work through the issues with YouTube.

pbsspacetime

The idea of a particle with a de Broglie Wavelength of lightyears breaks my preconceptions about quantum field theory, and I love that.

ziasteele

Something that's important to remember is that axions are originally a prediction of another mystery - they are supposed to resolve the strong CP problem in quantum chromodynamics. Or basically why matter even exists. There is no better explanation at the moment that explains this oddity. So there's a super high chance that they do exist
There was a study this year that suggested we can find axions by using extremely powerful accelerators with ionic particles inside in order to force interaction with incoming axions that would result in observable effects. Something that could be achieved in the next decade or so assuming there's interest

whatdamath

I love when previous episodes come together into an episode like today's. Awesome job Space Time crew!

TeftStormblessed

Really love how this channel explains the *possible* physics behind the cosmology observation we're currently seeing with new discoveries.

DavidEvans_dle

This has been one of your better episodes recently. Great stuff, can't wait to hear you guys cover the gravitational wave announcement that's due tomorrow.

mrgalaxy

Aww I missed this type of "cutting edge", deep cosmology/quantum theory topics. I love that <3

adamnagy

Simply the best explanation of axionic dark matter I've seen yet! Thanks Matt

WestOfEarth

Your videos are on are strange border between simple enough to understand as someone with little scientific knowledge, and advanced enough to discuss complex things like string theory or quantum mechanics. Your work is very interesting and absolutely awesome. Thank you Matt!

Starfallenn

This may be one of your best epis9des ever. Not just the subject matter (which is amazing) but also the overall delivery / production.

bloodsin

I really love this idea and am very grateful to Spacetime for introducing me to it. It's a wonderfully weird solution that somehow feels intuitively "right" in some way. Other dark matter solutions always leave me feeling like we are missing something that should be obvious. There's just something beautifully elegant about the idea of quantum waves that are light-years across. Whether or not it is proven to be correct, it has a beauty to it to rival the greatest works of art. It's both simpler and weirder than Ant-Man's so-called quantum realm, while still being consistent with known reality. If Axionic Dark Matter ends up being wrong somehow, I hope and suspect it will be because nature is even more beautiful and weird. This is one mystery in which the journey is more exciting than the destination, and I am lucky to be along for the ride.

Jondiceful

I mean despite the fact that I get my QM knowledge here( of course in another lifetime I would love to be proficient in the sciences) this has pretty much been the channel that has made me fall in love with physics. I’m curious though, is there going to be a video on the recent developments on Sagittarius A? Black holes are so interesting and getting to understand what’s going on and what it means would be great. Thank you again Matt!!

Stogger

Thanks for such a great video! When you got to the explanation of dark matter as a superfluid my mind was blown. You guys do such a great job of opening my mind to new concepts, and you deserve major props for the unapologetically technical discussion.

ToddNorthrop

First time I ever immediately re-watch a Spacetime video, in many years! Fascinating! I love this theory, it's so beautiful!

cookicha

Question: With such long wavelengths, how would Axionic Dark Matter behave close to the supermassive blackholes seen near the center of galaxies? Would something about this black-hole "pin" the super fluid to the blackhole and then be a place where gravity would pull normal matter to during the development of the galaxy.

alansnyder