What is dark matter and how does it affect the universe?

Dark matter is a hypothetical substance that does not interact with light, making it invisible to telescopes.

Despite being invisible, dark matter is believed to make up around 85% of the matter in the universe. Its presence can be inferred through its gravitational effects on visible matter, such as stars and galaxies. Without dark matter, galaxies would not have enough mass to hold together and would fly apart.

The exact nature of dark matter is still unknown, but it is thought to consist of particles that do not interact with electromagnetic radiation. Scientists have proposed various candidates for dark matter particles, including weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) and axions.

The discovery of dark matter has revolutionized our understanding of the universe, and its continued study is crucial for our understanding of cosmology and particle physics. It has led to the development of new theories and models, such as the Lambda-CDM model, which describes the evolution of the universe.

In conclusion, dark matter is a mysterious substance that has a significant impact on the universe. Its discovery has opened up new avenues of research and has challenged our understanding of the cosmos. As scientists continue to study dark matter, we may gain a better understanding of the fundamental nature of the universe.