Talk:Dark matter

Proposal to delete the table "Some dark matter hypotheses"

The table labeled "Some dark matter hypotheses" is puzzling and it's content is not reliably sourced. Rather the categories appear to be invented for the table. The entries are a mix of mainstream candidates and fringe theories. No text helps readers sort out the content. In effect is it an overly long See Also section stuck in the middle of the article. Johnjbarton (talk) 03:16, 24 August 2024 (UTC)

Confusing footnote

Under "Some dark matter hypotheses" > Neutrinos > Standard Model there is a sourced footnote.

• The three neutrino types already observed are indeed abundant, and dark, and matter, but their individual masses are almost certainly too tiny to account for more than a small fraction of dark matter, due to limits derived from large-scale structure and high-redshift galaxies. (ref omitted for Talk page).

As I read this footnote it is an editorial statement that the reference provides evidence against the hypothesis that Standard Model neutrinos account for dark matter (which is what the ref says).

The table gives the impression of (poorly sourced) evidence for a ton different options. If a reader scans the table they conclude "Standard Model neutrinos" are an option. If they read the fine print, they learn it's not an option. To me this is a confusing way to present this information.

@Banedon how about starting the Composition section with a paragraph with this content as well as a reminder of the many aspects of the Standard Model which fail to make the cut for simpler reasons. The latter may seem simplistic but I think it would set up the far ranging search implied by the table. Johnjbarton (talk) 03:16, 8 October 2024 (UTC)

Well, the table also has "MACHO" even though that's been ruled out too. Feel free to make your changes, I'm not likely to revert. Banedon (talk) 04:11, 8 October 2024 (UTC)