
Dark Matter
ConceptAbout
Dark matter is a hypothetical form of matter that makes up approximately 85% of the universe's total matter content. It is invisible and does not interact with light or other forms of electromagnetic radiation, making it undetectable by conventional means. The existence of dark matter is inferred through its gravitational effects on visible matter, such as the rotation of galaxies and the motion of galaxy clusters. This unseen mass explains why galaxies stay together and why they move at higher speeds than expected based on their visible content. Dark matter is thought to be composed of non-baryonic particles, with candidates including weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) and axions. It plays a crucial role in the formation and evolution of the universe, serving as gravitational scaffolding for cosmic structures. Despite extensive research, the nature of dark matter remains a mystery, with ongoing efforts to detect it directly or indirectly through experiments and observations. Its elusive nature has also made it a popular concept in science fiction, often used to explain unexplained phenomena or extraordinary powers.