Phantom menace to dark matter theory

New Scientist ^ | Jul 8, 2009 | Marcus Chown

[decimon]

This is the first time I’ve seen a local solar system possibility though.

I'd think that would be the biggie here. It could be investigated with existing gear.

[SuperLuminal]

"This is almost understandable."

OK...Let's see if I've got this straight:

• Dark matter is a crutch to explain outer system failure to launch;
• MOND could explain this problem with the correct choice of acceleration coefficient;
• Newtonian theory would posit a location between a sun and planet where their respective gravitational effects would cancel each other out;
• At the above location, if there is gravity it would prove MOND;
• However, an additional effect (ultimately replacing dark matter??) called a "phantom mass" (dispersed at that!) leading to a "quadrupole" effect needs to be postulated;
• Maybe the Pioneer spacecraft aren't so weird after all; and,
• We need to measure the precise orbit of Neptune for about 1500 years to gather the required data.

OK! Got it...I'll have a proposal and work-plan in the mail in 60-days.

[decimon]

Yeah, but despite all that, this was more understandable than most such. ;-)