Light and the black matter (Dark Matter)

In summary, the space between the sun and the Earth appears dark because light only illuminates surfaces and objects, and space is the absence of matter. This is similar to turning on a flashlight in a dark room and only illuminating the walls and floors, not the air. Dark matter, which doesn't interact with electromagnetism, cannot be seen directly and only its effects on light and normal matter can be observed.
  • #1
angela
2
0
TL;DR Summary
what happens if our whole universe which is enclosed by black matter lights up or if there's a source to emit light so the whole universe is visible...
Originally Answered: If light reaches the Earth from the sun, why is the space between the sun and the Earth dark?
Because light illuminates surfaces, objects. Space is not an object, is the lack of matter. If you turn on a flashlight in a dark room you will illuminate the floors and the walls, the light from the wall will bounce and illuminate the room a bit more, but if the air is clean, not too much dust, you are not illuminating the air.

In a room we are talking small distances, just a handful of meters, so once the light bounces from a wall the entire room seems to light up, even though what lights up...
👇👇👇
I understand but what if something bursts in the universe the particles might scatter so we will be able to see the covered or dark matter.
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
  • #2
Are you asking why we can't see dark matter? It's because it doesn't interact with electromagnetism. Perhaps it would be better named "transparent matter" because light passes through it - so we can't see it directly. We can only see a slight curving of light paths near large amounts of datk matter due to its gravity, and its gravity's effects on normal matter.
 
Last edited:
  • #3
thanks
 

What is light?

Light is a form of electromagnetic radiation that is visible to the human eye. It is made up of tiny particles called photons, which have both wave-like and particle-like properties.

What is dark matter?

Dark matter is a type of matter that does not interact with light or other forms of electromagnetic radiation. It is invisible and cannot be directly observed, but its existence is inferred through its gravitational effects on visible matter.

How does light interact with dark matter?

Light does not interact with dark matter because dark matter does not emit or absorb any form of electromagnetic radiation. However, the gravitational effects of dark matter can cause light to bend and be distorted as it passes through regions of high dark matter density.

What is the difference between dark matter and black holes?

Dark matter is a type of matter that is spread throughout the universe and makes up about 85% of its total mass. Black holes, on the other hand, are extremely dense objects formed from the collapse of a massive star and have a gravitational pull so strong that not even light can escape from them.

Why is dark matter important to study?

Dark matter is important to study because it plays a crucial role in the structure and evolution of the universe. Its gravitational effects help to explain the formation of galaxies and galaxy clusters. Understanding dark matter can also provide insights into the fundamental laws of physics and the nature of the universe.

Similar threads

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
1K
Replies
23
Views
1K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • Other Physics Topics
Replies
11
Views
425
Replies
73
Views
6K
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
3
Replies
82
Views
9K
Replies
12
Views
2K
Back
Top