Linearity: galaxy formation encounters an unanticipated empirical relation

TL;DR

This paper reports an unexpected linear relation between dark and luminous mass in galaxies across various morphologies, challenging existing galaxy formation theories and suggesting potential new physics or astrophysical processes.

Contribution

It identifies a universal linear scaling of dark to luminous mass in galaxies, which is not explained by current cosmological models.

Findings

Linear scaling extends from galaxy centers to outer regions.

Uncertainties in the relation are narrowly constrained.

Standard baryonic and dark matter models do not explain the linearity.

Abstract

Measurements from galaxies spanning a broad range of morphology reveal a linear scaling of enclosed dark to luminous mass that is not anticipated by standard galaxy formation cosmology. The linear scaling is found to extend from the inner galactic region to the outermost data point. Uncertainties in the linear relation are narrow, with rms = 0.31 and {\sigma} = 0.31. It is unclear what would produce this linearity of enclosed dark to luminous mass. Baryonic processes are challenged to account for the linear scaling, and no dark matter candidate possesses a property that would result in a linear relation. The linear scaling may indicate new dark matter candidates, or an astrophysical process beyond the standard galaxy formation theory.