5 Things You Need To Know About Dark Matter!!!

1. Dark matter is EVERYWHERE-

Planets, stars, asteroids, galaxies – the things that we can actually see – constitute less than 5% of the total universe. So what makes up the rest? Therein lies the mystery.

Dark matter is the name we give to all the mass in the universe that remains invisible, and there’s a whole lot of it. Research suggests that about 70% of the universe is composed of dark energy, whilst the remaining 25% is composed of a mysterious substance known as dark matter. We can’t see it, we don’t understand it, but we know it’s out there.

2. It’s completely invisible-

Dark matter is really hard to study, because we have no way of seeing it. This weird substance doesn’t interact with light, so it’s totally invisible.

So how do we know it exists? Well, because it affects the universe in strange ways; and that’s something we can see.

3. Dark matter binds galaxies together-

So dark matter can’t be seen, but it can be felt because of its powerful impact on space.

Dark matter exerts ‘gravitational force’, meaning that it draws other matter towards it. And there’s so much dark matter that its gravitational force is enough to hold entire galaxies – like our own Milky Way – together. That’s why dark matter is often likened to a giant spider’s web, meshing galaxies in place.

4. It distorts the appearance of space

We can also see the effects of dark matter simply by looking up at the sky. When astronomers observe distant galaxies, they often appear stretched and oddly shaped.

This effect is known as ‘gravitational lensing, and it’s caused by dark matter’s gravitational force. This force is so huge that it physically bends the light around galaxies, distorting their appearance.

5. Scientists have created dark matter ‘maps’

Scientists have been able to piece together maps of space, indicating where they think dark matter is hiding.

By studying ‘relic radiation’ left over from the Big Bang, scientists can identify areas in space where more radiation exists – and more radiation means more matter.  In this way, we can identify ‘hotspots’, where higher levels of dark matter may be concentrated.

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