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“Dark Matter”
Isaiah Abenchuchan
11/4/08


Dark matter is a hypothetical form of matter invisible to electromagnetic radiation, postulated to account for to account for gravitational forces observed in the universe [1]. Dark matter and dark energy make up most of the mass in the visible universe but it is invisible.

According to research done by professor Bob Nichol of the Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation, dark matter particles move at 9km/s. The speed was a surprise because current theories have stated that dark matter particles would be cold, moving at only a few mm/s. So, after recent observations the particles must (because of their speed) be hot, approximately 10,000 degrees.

Dark matter does not give off any light, nor does it absorb it. So, the only way we can detect it is the gravitational pull dark matter has. The most recent evidence of dark matter is the collision between two galaxy clusters. Each one of these clusters contained around a quadrillion times the mass of our sun [2]. The astronomers who studied this collision noticed the dark matter because it separated from the normal matter during this collision.

Scientists have speculated that the fate of our universe coincides with how much dark matter there is. If there is more dark matter the universe will collapse, if there is less dark matter then our universe will continue to expand. That is if dark energy turns negative [3].

Dark matter moves at 9km/s, and is around 10,000 degrees. It does not give off any light, nor does it absorb light. Dark matter is detected through its gravitational pull. It has a pivotal role in how this universe was created and how it is developing. Dark matter, though thoroughly studied, is still a mystery.
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