[Rockingham]

The case for the existence of dark matter relies on a wealth of observations that indicate the visible universe shows more gravitational force at work than can be accounted for by known forms of matter. So far, more than a century after the issue was first identified, the dark matter problem remains. Suggestions that our observational data or understanding of gravity are wrong have so far not been validated.

Dark energy gets at a different problem raised by our observations of the universe. On the cosmic scale, there seems to be extra energy that is counteracting gravity, with the universe expanding more and faster than we can otherwise explain.

There are many new theories that try to explain gravity but none have gained general acceptance. Newton's characterization of gravity as a force of unexplained origin remains the practical benchmark. Thus we can explain fairly well how gravity works but not how and why it exists. Crucially, we cannot yet mesh gravity and relativity with quantum mechanics.

As for the existence of the universe itself, a new trend is trying to develop a theory that mathematically explains consciousness and unifies it with matter. Some physicists are embracing the point that quantum mechanics is so intertwined with consciousness that, in terms of philosophy, modern physics regards matter as pan-psychic.

Remarkably, Edgar Allen Poe wrote and published an essay that projected as much and that the universe began in a single moment of creation, with consciousness existing before matter. Poe's writing helped inspire the physicists who first developed the big bang theory.

With dramatic popular accounts discarded, physicists see the big bang as not so much a massive explosion but as more like a balloon rapidly expanding into utter nothingness. And if Judaism and Christianity are correct, all matter arose from the consciousness of a Creator. Nowadays physicists seem less and less inclined to insist otherwise.

[A Navy Vet]

" a wealth of observations that indicate the visible universe shows more gravitational force at work than can be accounted for by known forms of matter."

"there seems to be extra energy that is counteracting gravity, with the universe expanding more and faster than we can otherwise explain.

If I read correctly, it seems that dark matter and dark energy are at odds regarding expansion and contraction of the universe.

"Thus we can explain fairly well how gravity works but not how and why it exists."

Exactly. Newton and others figured how gravity works according to the size of matter and proximity to other matter. Still, they don't know what it is or why.

"a new trend is trying to develop a theory that mathematically explains consciousness and unifies it with matter. Some physicists are embracing the point that quantum mechanics is so intertwined with consciousness that, in terms of philosophy, modern physics regards matter as pan-psychic."

I know nothing of quantum mechanics but really?, consciousness is intertwined with matter? More math nonsense for a Ph.d thesis or grant. So, pretend no human consciousness tomorrow for whatever reason, does matter cease to exist because of no consciousness?

Such a concept reminds me of Time and how the great minds of today believe it is a 4th dimension. I believe it is a human construct to make sense of our linear experiences in our lives. However, I will concede there might be other dimensions or multi-universes. Who knows? Not us.

That said, I enjoy time movies that show a non-linear movement through time like, Interstellar, Arrival, others. Thank you for your TIME!