Dark Matter And Its Many Mysteries I Oxford Open Learning
Dark Matter

Dark Matter And Its Many Mysteries


Dark matter is one of the greatest mysteries in the universe. It is an invisible, mysterious form of matter that is believed to make up more than 80 percent of the universe’s mass, yet we know very little about it. Scientists have long been puzzled by its strange behavior, and its nature remains a mystery.

Dark matter does not interact with light and other forms of electromagnetic radiation, making it difficult to observe. It does, however, interact with gravity, which is why its presence can be inferred from its gravitational effects on the Universe.

Uneven Distribution

One of the most perplexing aspects of dark matter is its distribution throughout the universe. Astronomers have observed that galaxies are surrounded by a halo of dark matter, and that it is more abundant in some regions of the universe than others. This uneven distribution has led some scientists to speculate that it may be made up of a vast number of tiny particles.

Unknown Composition

Real knowledge of composition also remains out of reach, however. Scientists have been unable to determine what types of particles constitute it, with their exact nature largely unknown. Some theories suggest dark matter is composed of weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs), while others suggest that it is composed of axions (defined as “hypothetical subatomic particles postulated to account for rarity of processes that break charge-parity symmetry”.) or other particles.

Dark Matter Will Keep Us In The Dark For A While

All these mysteries remain unsolved, then, and the true nature of dark matter is likely to remain a mystery for some time to come. But despite its perplexing properties, it is an important component of the universe. Its gravitational influence has helped shape galaxies, and its mysterious nature has captivated scientists for decades. Its secrets may one day be revealed, but for now, they remain hidden in the darkness.

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