Dark Matter
Coverage of Dark Matter in the Nexus archive.
- A strange LIGO signal could reveal the missing link behind dark matter
An unusual gravitational wave signal detected by LIGO has reignited interest in primordial black holes as a potential explanation for dark matter. Confirmation of this signal could address a major astronomical mystery by linking these theoretical objects to the nature of dark matter.
- The largest digital camera ever built begins decade-long survey of the universe
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory, housing the largest digital camera ever built, has begun a decade-long survey of the southern sky from a Chilean mountaintop. The project aims to map billions of stars and galaxies, study dark matter and dark energy, and capture repeated images to detect faint celestial objects.
- The largest digital camera ever built begins decade-long survey of the universe
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory, the largest digital camera ever built, has begun a decade-long survey of the universe from a Chilean mountaintop. It aims to map billions of stars and galaxies, study dark matter and dark energy, and capture repeated images of the southern sky to detect faint celestial objects.
- Dark Matter
The article discusses dark matter, emphasizing that its composition remains unknown and is described as a profound mystery. It uses metaphorical language to highlight the enigmatic nature of the topic and human desire.
- Telescope snaps most detailed photo yet of Milky Way's heart
Euclid has captured the most detailed photo yet of the Milky Way's heart as part of a mission to map one-third of the sky. The mission aims to investigate the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy.
- A Dark Dimension Could Link Two of the Universe’s Great Unknowns
The article explores the possibility of a dark dimension connecting dark energy and dark matter, which together account for approximately 95% of the universe. Dark energy, making up about 70%, drives cosmic expansion, while dark matter, comprising 25%, helps maintain galaxy structure.
- A mysterious gamma-ray stream comes from the Milky Way's center. Could dark matter have something to do with it?
A mysterious gamma-ray stream detected from the Milky Way's center raises questions about its origin, with dark matter being a potential explanation. Scientists are investigating whether this phenomenon could be linked to dark matter interactions.
- The Download: a new hunt for dark matter and Kenya’s case for going solar
Physicists are adapting their search for dark matter by exploring new methods like quantum sensors and liquid-helium detectors due to neutrino interference. In Nairobi, entrepreneurs are promoting solar-powered grain mills to address Kenya's electricity access challenges and reduce operating costs.
- The search for dark matter has been blown wide open
Dark matter experiments using liquid xenon detectors have detected neutrinos instead of weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs), leading physicists to explore alternative methods like quantum sensors and liquid-helium-based detectors. The inability to shield against neutrinos has shifted the search toward broader, less certain approaches as scientists reconsider dark matter's properties.
- Astronomers discover another galaxy seemingly devoid of dark matter
Astronomers have discovered a galaxy that appears to lack dark matter, challenging existing assumptions about galaxy formation.
- Did we just see a primordial black hole at the Milky Way’s edge?
A blip of light detected at the Milky Way's outer reaches may indicate a primordial black hole, potentially solving the dark matter mystery. Astronomers have named the phenomenon 'Phoebe'.
- Could a cosmic uncertainty principle help explain dark matter?
The article explores the possibility that a cosmic uncertainty principle could provide insights into the nature of dark matter, referencing a NASA graphic that visualizes dark matter's mass distribution in a galaxy using a red half-circle. The graphic aims to represent the hypothetical presence of dark matter in galactic structures.
- New quantum sensor could count individual photons and hunt dark matter
Researchers have developed an ultra-sensitive quantum sensor capable of detecting energy levels below one zeptojoule using superconducting materials. The breakthrough technology has potential applications in improving quantum computers, enabling photon counting, and detecting dark matter particles from space.
- A strange ripple in spacetime could be the first fingerprint of dark matter
Physicists have created a new model to predict how dark matter could distort gravitational waves produced during black hole mergers. The method was tested on real LIGO data and one signal stood out as potentially carrying a dark matter imprint. This could be a clue about dark matter hidden across the universe.
- Dark matter may have been detected by accident seven YEARS ago, study claims
A study claims that dark matter may have been detected accidentally seven years ago. The discovery was reportedly made using existing data, and its implications are significant for the field of astrophysics. Further research is needed to confirm the findings.
- Dark matter may have been detected by accident seven YEARS ago, study claims
A study claims that dark matter may have been detected accidentally seven years ago. The detection was not intentional, but rather a unexpected finding. This discovery could be a significant breakthrough in the field of astrophysics.
- We still can't see dark matter. But what if we can hear it?
Scientists are exploring the possibility of detecting dark matter through sound. An illustration shows two colliding black holes flanked by dark matter. Researchers are trying to find new ways to detect dark matter.
- The passage hidden in our galaxy: Scientists claim dark matter may have created a wormhole INSIDE the Milky Way
Scientists claim that dark matter may have created a wormhole inside the Milky Way galaxy. This passage could be a hidden pathway in our galaxy. The discovery is based on the study of dark matter and its potential effects on space.
- 3 puzzles of our universe could be solved with this new dark matter theory
A new dark matter theory may solve three puzzles of the universe, providing a potential breakthrough in understanding the cosmos. The theory involves self-interacting dark matter at the heart of spiral galaxies. This concept could revolutionize the field of astrophysics.
- Did decaying dark matter help create the universe's first supermassive black holes?
The article explores the hypothesis that decaying dark matter may have played a role in forming the universe's first supermassive black holes. It references an illustration depicting a supermassive black hole surrounded by dark matter, highlighting ongoing scientific inquiry into cosmic structure origins.
- Students build a “cosmic radio” to listen for dark matter
A group of undergraduate students built a dark matter detector to search for axions, hypothetical particles that could constitute dark matter, using limited resources and creativity.
- Gravitational waves may have created dark matter in the early universe
New research suggests gravitational waves in the early universe may have transformed into particles that became dark matter. This theory proposes that spacetime ripples from the Big Bang contributed to the formation of the invisible substance shaping galaxies.
- Q&A: Apollo astronaut Schmitt talks about getting back to the moon and life in the universe
Apollo astronaut Harrison 'Jack' Schmitt discusses the importance of establishing a lunar base for future Mars missions and scientific exploration during an interview in 2026. He highlights the geopolitical and practical benefits of lunar resources and expresses optimism about new discoveries in space, including potential insights into dark matter and quantum entanglement.
- Dark Matter May Be Made of Black Holes From Another Universe
A cyclic universe model proposes that dark matter might consist of black holes existing before the Big Bang. This theory challenges the conventional understanding of dark matter's origins.
- What is dark matter? Elusive substance could be made of black holes from a different UNIVERSE, scientist claims
Dark matter, an elusive substance making up most of the universe's mass, may be composed of black holes from a different universe, according to a new scientific theory. The claim suggests these cosmic entities could explain dark matter's gravitational effects without requiring new physics.
- What is dark matter? Elusive substance could be made of black holes from a different UNIVERSE, scientist claims
Dark matter, an elusive substance thought to make up most of the universe's mass, may be composed of black holes from a different universe, according to a new scientific theory. The claim suggests these black holes could explain the gravitational effects attributed to dark matter without requiring new particles.
- Ripples in spacetime may have revealed 1st evidence of tiny black holes born in the Big Bang
Researchers may have detected ripples in spacetime, offering the first evidence of tiny black holes formed in the Big Bang. These primordial black holes could explain dark matter's distribution through clustering patterns.
- Scientists think dark matter might come in two forms
Scientists propose dark matter may consist of two interacting particle types, addressing discrepancies in gamma ray signals observed in the Milky Way versus dwarf galaxies. The theory challenges existing dark matter models by suggesting multiple particle types rather than a single particle.
- Dozens of hidden star streams found in the outskirts of our Milky Way galaxy
Astronomers have discovered dozens of hidden star streams in the Milky Way's outskirts, revealing remnants of dwarf galaxies and star clusters. These streams highlight gravitational interactions between stars, dark matter, and the galaxy itself.