Ghosts of the Universe: Neutrinos as Dark Matter ⚡ экспресс
Within the framework of quantum field theory in curved spacetime, the semiclassical energy-momentum tensor of the neutrino flavor vacuum is considered. It is shown to satisfy the equation of state of dust-like cold dark matter. In the approximation of a spherically symmetric weak gravitational field, the flavor vacuum yields a correction to the Newtonian potential in the form of a Yukawa potential. This modified gravity explains the flat rotation curves of spiral galaxies without the need for exotic particles. Thus, neutrino mixing emerges as a realistic factor contributing to the dark matter of the Universe.
For nearly a century, astronomers have watched galaxies spin as if held together by invisible mass. Fritz Zwicky first noticed it, and Vera Rubin precisely measured the speeds of stars at the edges. The explanation — dark matter, a mysterious substance whose gravity stops stars from flying apart.
A new hypothesis: the ghostly nature of neutrinos itself creates the missing mass. In curved spacetime, different types of neutrinos continuously morph into each other, like ghosts changing guises. These transformations generate energy, which on galactic scales amplifies the gravitational pull. So silent ghosts become the invisible glue holding galaxies together.
🎯 Every second, about 100 billion neutrinos from the Sun pass through your pinky fingernail.