> Date: Mon, 22 Oct 2001 06:35:19 +0100
> From: EdinburghPM - Geoff 
> Subject: Probably a crackpot theory...
> 
> Like I said, this is probably a crackpot theory, or has already
>been considered and discounted, but;
> 
> "Given that virtual particles are constantly being created and
>near instantaneously destroyed, could their fleeting existence
>(and presumable mass) account for some or all of the dark matter in
>the universe?"
> 
> If you have the time, I'd like to hear your views.  If I'm right, I'd like
> a credit!  Hey, a patent clerk had a crazy idea once...
> 
> Best wishes & thanks for your time
> Geoff R*****s
> Institute of Bartender Physicists


Hi, Geoff, and thanks for your question.  It is
actually not such a crackpot idea.  However,
the effect of the cloud of virtual particles 
which surround every real particle is already
understood in this regard.  In fact, the masses and charges of
every particle are changed slightly by the virtual
cloud.  Dark matter seems to be made of real particles
which would in turn have their own little clouds of
surrounding virtual particles.

But, there is something in the virtual world which
we do not understand and may have something to do
not with dark matter but dark energy.  As you may
have heard, the expansion of the universe is
accelerating.  This is believed to be cause by
an energy field which is an integral part of the
fabric of space-time.  The nature of this field
is not understood and it is likely ot involve a
more deep consideration of the flitting of virtual
particles in every bit of space.

So, keep your ideas and beer flowing and watch the
dark energy story evolve.

Scott Armel-Funkhouser
Center for Particle Astrophysics UCBerkeley
Science/Health Forums Host, NYTimes on the Web
URL: http://cfpa.berkeley.edu/~armel


> 
>