Dark Matter
What is Dark Matter?
Dark Matter is a mysterious form of matter that does not emit, absorb, or reflect light. That means we cannot see it directly, but we know it exists because of the gravitational effects it has on visible matter, like galaxies and stars.
Evidence for Dark Matter
- Galaxies rotate faster than expected based on the mass we can see. Something invisible must be adding extra gravity.
- Gravitational lensing—light bends more than expected around massive objects, suggesting hidden mass.
Importance
Dark Matter makes up about 27% of the universe, while ordinary matter (everything we see) makes up only 5%. Understanding it could help explain the structure and evolution of the universe.
Conclusion
Though we cannot see it, Dark Matter plays a huge role in the cosmos. Scientists are still trying to learn what it is made of and how it fits into the larger picture of the universe.