Properties of Dark Matter

• Invisibility: Dark matter does not interact with electromagnetic radiation, so it cannot be seen with telescopes or other instruments that detect light.
• Gravitational Effects: Dark matter exerts gravitational forces on visible matter, causing galaxies to rotate at higher speeds than expected and influencing the formation of large-scale structures in the universe.
• Distribution: Dark matter is thought to be distributed in a "halo" around galaxies and to permeate the space between galaxies, forming a cosmic web of unseen material.

Current Theories and Research

Scientists have proposed various theories to explain the nature of dark matter, including the existence of weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) and axions. Efforts to detect and study dark matter particles are ongoing through experiments conducted in deep underground laboratories and in space.

Study Guide

1. What is dark matter, and how is it different from visible matter?
2. How do scientists infer the presence of dark matter if it cannot be directly observed?
3. What are the gravitational effects of dark matter on the universe?
4. What are some current theories about the nature of dark matter?
5. What are the ongoing efforts to detect and study dark matter?