NASA NTRS2018
The standard model of particle physics is regarded as one of the greatest achievements of modern physics. It has successfully predicted the existence of numerous hadrons; e.g. the Higgs Boson, the W and Z Bosons, B mesons, etc. Moreover it accurately models many phenomena such as Beta and Radioactive decay, pair production, hadron mass splitting, and others. In spite of this, the standard model has many shortfalls. For example it fails to account for or explain the presence of dark matter and dark energy. Many alternative models of the substructure of matter etc. have been proposed. Some of these are examined. In addition the strongly related standard model of cosmology, that is the big bang theory, accounts for all observed celestial phenomena. What it cannot do is satisfactorily justify all astrophysical events. As noted, dark matter and dark energy are not well understood yet they are core elements of the big bang model. Many elements of this standard model of cosmology are challenged regularly, yet somehow the community always fits the problems with the model into another mysterious element. This model and others are examined for consistency and reconciliation. Evidence of particles that move faster than the speed of light has long been sought, but remains elusive. Some of the known space-like observations of physics are examined. Potential consequences of such particles are likewise investigated. Some conclusions are drawn with respect to the framework of tachyons in a rational but non-rigorous sense. Finally, some of my ideas are presented, concerning all of the above material. The framework of theories of everything is examined, considering what such a theory requires for validity. Sociological notes on the structure of research in physics are given.