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Short Wave

The Invisible Substance That Structures Our Universe

Jul 9, 2024
Dive into the fascinating world of dark matter, the invisible substance that shapes our universe. Discover how it constitutes most of the cosmos while remaining undetectable. Scientists discuss the indirect methods used to uncover its secrets, tracing its historical roots through remarkable discoveries by astronomers. Learn about the challenges faced in mapping its distribution and the new theories that challenge our understanding of the universe. Brace yourself for a journey into the unknown, probing the mysteries that lie beyond our visible reality.
14:27

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Quick takeaways

  • Dark matter comprises most of the universe's mass and plays a crucial role in galaxy formation through gravity interactions.
  • Despite extensive research on dark matter, its exact nature remains elusive, prompting scientists to explore alternative particle theories.

Deep dives

Understanding Dark Matter

Dark matter, a mysterious component of our universe, comprises the majority of the universe's mass. While regular matter, like stars and planets, accounts for only 4-5% of the universe, dark matter remains invisible and interacts solely through gravity. Research suggests that dark matter plays a vital role in the formation of galaxies by serving as a stabilizing force. Scientists like Priyam Vata Natarajan conduct observations and simulations to indirectly study dark matter, emphasizing the humbling realization of humanity's limited understanding of the universe's composition.

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