Does Dark Matter Alter the Orbits of the Planets our Sun?

Most recent answer: 08/28/2015

Q:
If dark matter is the cause of the strange orbits of the stars around the center of the galaxy from the center all the way to the stars at the edge, than why doesn't it alter the orbit of the planets around the sun all of which are swimming in the same dark matter?
- John Ferrero (age 47)
Cypress, CA, USA
A:

Hello John,

Yes, there is probably some dark matter in our solar system but no, it wouldn't affect the planets' orbits.  First of all the total amount of dark matter would be insignificant compared to that of the sun.  Secondly, it would be spread out uniformly and wouldn't affect the shape of the orbits.

LeeH


(published on 08/28/2015)