UAH’s Dr. Richard Lieu Challenges Dark Matter Theory, Proves Gravity Can Exist Without Mass

Dr. Richard Lieu, a professor at The University of Alabama in Huntsville, has proposed a theory that gravity can exist without mass, potentially eliminating the need for hypothetical dark matter. His research suggests that the gravity necessary to hold galaxies together could be due to defects in cosmic structures, created during the early universe. These defects consist of a thin layer of positive mass and a thin layer of negative mass, resulting in a total mass of zero. This theory challenges the century-old concept of dark matter, offering a new perspective on gravitational forces and the structure of the universe.

A New Perspective on Gravity and Dark Matter

Dark matter, a hypothetical form of matter, has been a subject of intrigue for nearly a century. Its existence is inferred from gravitational effects that cannot be explained by general relativity unless there is more matter in the universe than what is visible. Dutch astronomer Jan Oort first proposed the concept of dark matter in 1932 to account for the “missing mass” necessary for galaxies to clump together. However, a recent study by Dr. Richard Lieu at The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) offers a novel perspective on this longstanding mystery.

Gravity Without Mass: A Revolutionary Concept

Dr. Lieu’s research, published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, presents a groundbreaking theory: gravity can exist without mass. This proposition could potentially eliminate the need for dark matter. Dr. Lieu’s inspiration stemmed from his pursuit of an alternative solution to the gravitational field equations of general relativity, specifically the Poisson equation. This equation, applicable to the conditions of galaxies and clusters of galaxies, provides a finite gravitational force in the absence of any detectable mass.

Topological Defects and Excess Gravity

Dr. Lieu suggests that the “excess” gravity required to bind a galaxy or cluster together could be due to concentric sets of shell-like topological defects in structures commonly found throughout the cosmos. These defects were likely created during the early universe when a cosmological phase transition occurred. A cosmological phase transition is a process where the overall state of matter changes together across the entire universe. However, the precise form of phase transition that could give rise to such topological defects remains unclear.

The Role of Concentric Singular Shells

The topological defects proposed by Dr. Lieu are compact regions of space with a high density of matter, usually in the form of linear structures known as cosmic strings. However, 2-D structures such as spherical shells are also possible. The shells consist of a thin inner layer of positive mass and a thin outer layer of negative mass. The total mass of both layers is exactly zero, but a star lying on this shell experiences a large gravitational force pulling it towards the center of the shell. This theory suggests that gravity can exist without mass, challenging the conventional understanding of gravity and potentially mitigating the need for dark matter.

Future Research Directions

While Dr. Lieu’s research offers a compelling alternative to the dark matter hypothesis, it also raises new questions for future research. These include understanding how a galaxy or cluster is formed by the alignment of these shells and how the evolution of these structures takes place. The paper does not address the problem of structure formation, and there are contentious points such as whether the shells were initially planes or straight strings. Furthermore, there is the question of how to confirm or refute the proposed shells through dedicated observations. Despite these unanswered questions, Dr. Lieu’s research marks a significant step forward in our understanding of gravity and the universe.