Study claims to provide first direct evidence of dark matter
5 hours ago
- #cosmology
- #dark-matter
- #astrophysics
- Scientists proposed dark matter nearly a century ago, theorizing it forms a cosmic web around galaxies.
- A recent study claims the first direct evidence of dark matter, though more verification is needed.
- Dark matter is theorized to make up 27% of the cosmos but remains undetected by current instruments.
- Gamma rays from the Milky Way's center may bear dark matter's signature, according to Prof. Tomonori Totani.
- Dark matter was first hypothesized in the 1930s due to unexplained galaxy rotation speeds.
- Theories suggest dark matter could consist of weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs).
- Totani analyzed Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope data, finding gamma-ray patterns matching dark matter halo predictions.
- If confirmed, dark matter particles could be 500 times more massive than protons.
- Critics urge caution, citing the need for more evidence from other cosmic regions like dwarf galaxies.