Endless Facts, One Snippet at a Time
Dark Matter Explained: The Hunt for the Invisible Mass
- Dark matter makes up about 27% of the universe, yet it emits no light or radiation, making it invisible.
- Its presence is inferred from gravitational effects on stars, galaxies, and cosmic structures.
- Without dark matter, galaxies would fly apart—its gravity holds them together.
- Dark matter does not interact with normal matter except through gravity, making it extremely elusive.
- Scientists hunt for dark matter using underground detectors, particle accelerators, and space telescopes.
- WIMPs (Weakly Interacting Massive Particles) are one leading candidate for dark matter particles.
- Alternatives to dark matter include modifications to gravity, though these remain less favored.
- Mapping dark matter helps reveal the cosmic web—the large-scale structure of the universe.
- Studying dark matter could unlock secrets about galaxy formation and the universe’s evolution.
- Despite decades of searching, dark matter remains one of physics’ greatest unsolved mysteries.