Does Physics Need 'Dark Matter'?

Abstract

To fully understand the present position concerning so-called dark matter, it is necessary to examine the historical background since, only by following this approach, do all the pieces of the puzzle fall into place. Here an attempt is made to do this briefly and it is found that an interesting and important question is raised. This question relates to the position of electromagnetism in astronomical considerations since history indicates that, in the years following the beginning of the 20th century, interest in electromagnetic effects appeared to wane. Hence, following an examination of the history and the presently accepted position where reliance for solutions seems confined to examining gravitational effects, attention is turned to hypotheses based on plasma physics to see if a more feasible solution to the problem of the missing mass can be furnished utilising its fundamental ideas. While the purpose here is to concentrate on dark matter and the supposed need for its introduction into physics, this consideration of electromagnetic effects combined with the realisation that most matter in the Universe is in the form of plasma also indicates alternative routes to seeking solutions for other puzzling astronomical phenomena.