![]() This meant that either Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity was wrong or the Universe was filled with a mysterious, invisible mass. By measuring the CMB for redshift and comparing these to local distance measurements (using variable stars and supernovae), astronomers have sought to measure the rate at which the Universe is expanding.Īround the same time, scientists observed that the rotational curves of galaxies were much higher than their visible mass suggested. Thereafter known as the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB), the existence of this relic radiation confirmed the Big Bang theory, which posits that all matter was condensed onto a single point of infinite density and extreme heat that began expanding ca. In the 1960s, astronomers began noticing a pervasive microwave background visible in all directions. According to their paper, the way Dark Matter alters the curvature of spacetime leaves signatures that suggest it could be made up of axions! Continue reading “Gravitational Lensing is Helping to Nail Down Dark Matter” However, according to new research led by the University of Hong Kong (HKU), the study of “ Einstein Rings” could bring us a step closer to understanding Dark Matter. Otherwise, we may need to radically rethink our theories on how gravity behaves on the largest of scales (aka. This matter’s existence is essential for our predominant theories of gravity ( General Relativity) and particle physics ( The Standard Model) to make sense. The search for this matter is ongoing, with candidate particles including Weakly-Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs) or ultralight bosons (axions), which are at opposite extremes of the mass scale and behave very differently (in theory). ![]() According to the most widely-accepted cosmological model, the majority of the mass in our Universe (roughly 85%) consists of “ Dark Matter.” This elusive, invisible mass is theorized to interact with “normal” (or “visible”) matter through gravity alone and not electromagnetic fields, neither absorbing nor emitting light (hence the name “dark”). ![]()
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