Welcome to another exciting entry in the Science section of How It Works. Today, we're diving deep into the cosmic mystery of dark matter, an elusive substance that has puzzled astrophysicists for decades.
The Mystery of Dark Matter
Dark matter is a theoretical form of matter thought to make up about 85% of the matter in the universe. Despite its prevalence, it neither emits nor absorbs light or any other electromagnetic radiation, making it virtually impossible to detect directly with current technologies.
Why Do We Think Dark Matter Exists?
The existence of dark matter is inferred from its gravitational effects on visible matter, radiation, and the large-scale structure of the universe. Its presence explains the 'missing mass' problem where galaxies would fly apart rather than rotating, or clusters of galaxies would not hold together, if they were only subject to observed matter.
Searching for Dark Matter
Around the globe, scientists are devising and conducting experiments to detect dark matter. They are using methods like direct detection, which involves looking for dark matter particles bouncing off atomic nuclei, and indirect detection, which entails searching for signs of dark matter particles annihilating or decaying.
Dark Matter's Influence on the Universe
Dark matter plays a fundamental role in cosmology and the structure of the universe. It's believed to act as a 'cosmic scaffolding' upon which galaxies are built, and its gravitational influence is thought to have guided the evolution of the universe since the Big Bang.
The Future of Dark Matter Research
With new experiments, observatories, and theoretical models, the race to understand dark matter is more vibrant than ever. Though we have yet to identify what dark matter is, its indirect effects continue to be a powerful tool in cosmology, providing crucial insights into our universe's history and structure.
The quest to understand dark matter continues to be one of the most intriguing challenges in modern science. At How It Works, we are dedicated to bringing you the latest developments in this cosmic detective story. So, stay tuned as we explore the unseen aspects of our universe together.