Expert: Tom Whiting - 6/3/2010

Question
Good day,
It has been said that most of the universe is dark matter and that it is unseen. How do we know this? What is the proof and how was this calculated?

How were stars formed and what causes them to keep lighting?
What are stars made of?

What proof is there of the zero point field and how do we know that it exists. What is the nature of this field?

Answer
We know dark matter exists because if it didn't, then the clustered galaxies would all fly apart
because there is not enough normal matter to hold the clusters of galaxies together as they
are revolving around each other... too fast.  But they haven't, so something has to be adding to the gravitational hold on the galaxies in the clusters... but that something gives off no light and no radiation, thus the term dark matter. It constitutes 23% of the Universe and we have no idea what it is.
We also know that 73% of the Universe is dark energy from recent studies of Type 1a supernovae, and we have no idea what it is either.  That only leaves 4% for normal matter...you, me, and all the stars in the Universe.
Stars keep giving off light by nuclear fusion reactions in their core... there are several reactions that can, and do, do this. But further statements about these reactions, and how stars formed are beyond the scope of a simple E-mail message... suggest you find a textbook of Astronomy 101 (beginning college textbook) and read it. It will explain it all to you... life story of the stars and the nuclear reactions in their cores.
Clear Skies,
Tom Whiting
Erie, PA USA

FOLLOW UP:
Oh, and as to your 3rd question, I give you a reference on the internet which you can punch on...
at
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zero-point_energy
and also punch on sero point field in that article.
Tom