Re:A new tool for finding dark matter digs up nothing
by alecst on Wednesday March 23, 2022 @09:09AM
(#30778072)
I do not consider the search for dark matter a waste of time. But when you are working with a team of WIMP-detector-building specialists, it is (unsurprisingly) hard to have a conversation about whether we should continue building WIMP detectors. People’s egos and emotions are all wrapped up in the science, and that is the part I came away disenchanted about. Definitely don’t misinterpret my feelings to be about science in general, or about getting a negative result (the Michelson-Morley experiment comes to mind.)
In scientific study you want and need failure. Knowing what doesn't work is as important as knowing what does. This way we can make lists of dangerous or useless things to be avoided. As long as things are documented and reproducible to the best of your abilities, you've won.