Dark Matter Episode 1 : One of the most fascinating mysteries of the universe

 

Dark matter is one of the most fascinating mysteries of the universe.

What is Dark Matter?

Dark matter is a type of matter that doesn’t emit, absorb, or reflect light, making it invisible to telescopes.

 

- We can’t see it, but scientists believe it makes up about '27% of the universe’s total mass and energy'.

Why Do We Think Dark Matter Exists?

Although we can’t see dark matter, we know it’s there because of its effects on visible matter, like stars and galaxies. 

Here’s how: 

1. Gravitational Effects 

  - Galaxies spin so fast that, based on the visible mass (stars, planets, gas), they should fly apart. 

  - However, something unseen (dark matter) provides the extra gravity needed to hold them together.

2. Galaxy Clusters 

  - In clusters of galaxies, the total mass of visible matter isn’t enough to explain the gravitational pull keeping the cluster intact. 

 - Dark matter fills this gap.

3. Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) 

  - The CMB is the faint afterglow of the Big Bang. 

  - Patterns in the CMB suggest that dark matter must have been present to help form the large-scale structure of the universe. 

4. Gravitational Lensing 

  - Light from distant galaxies bends as it passes through regions with lots of mass. 

  - The amount of bending often indicates more mass than what we can see, pointing to dark matter. 

What is Dark Matter Made Of? 

Scientists are still unsure, but they have some theories:  

 1. WIMPs (Weakly Interacting Massive Particles) 

   - Hypothetical particles that interact very weakly with normal matter. 

 2. Axions 

   - Extremely light particles that might behave like waves. 

 3. Sterile Neutrinos 

   - A type of neutrino (a tiny, neutral particle) that doesn’t interact with normal matter. 

 

 4. Primordial Black Holes 

   - Very small black holes formed just after the Big Bang.

How Do Scientists Study Dark Matter?

Since it’s invisible, scientists rely on indirect methods : 

1. Particle Detectors 

- Underground labs search for dark matter particles interacting with regular matter. 

2. Large Hadron Collider (LHC)

- This particle accelerator looks for signs of dark matter in high-energy collisions.  

3. Astronomical Observations

 - Telescopes study gravitational effects and patterns in the universe to infer dark matter's presence. 

Why Is Dark Matter Important?

 - Explains the Universe’s Structure : 

Without dark matter, galaxies and stars wouldn’t have formed as they did. 

- Expands Physics : 

Studying dark matter could lead to new discoveries in fundamental physics. 

- Connects to Dark Energy : 

Along with dark matter, dark energy makes up most of the universe, driving its expansion.

Stay Tuned for Next Episode, Dark Matter 2..