What is Dark Matter Made Of?

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SUMMARY

Dark matter is definitively not composed of atoms or any subatomic particles such as protons, neutrons, or electrons. Its existence is inferred solely from its gravitational effects on a cosmic scale, which are crucial for holding galaxies and galactic clusters together. Astronomers have observed these gravitational effects in detail, allowing them to describe the distribution of dark matter in the universe. The fundamental question remains: what is dark matter made of?

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of gravitational effects in astrophysics
  • Familiarity with galaxy formation and structure
  • Basic knowledge of particle physics
  • Awareness of observational astronomy techniques
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the role of dark matter in galaxy formation
  • Explore the theories surrounding dark matter candidates, such as WIMPs and axions
  • Learn about gravitational lensing and its implications for dark matter distribution
  • Investigate current experiments aimed at detecting dark matter particles
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Astronomy enthusiasts, astrophysicists, students studying cosmology, and anyone interested in the fundamental nature of the universe.

Biologik
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Dark matter, is it composed of...

How can we be sure dark matter is matter, if it is, is it composed of Atoms? I thought if something was composed of Atoms it had to react to a magnetic field, which astrophysicists say it does not. Does it have a gravitational effect on other masses? Please post a detailed reply, but no to detailed. I'm only 13. (sorry if this may be grounds for infraction I really don't know what is)
 
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Dark matter is best described by what it is not. For starters, it is NOT composed of atoms or anything that makes up atoms (protons, neutrons, electrons, etc.). It's existence is based ONLY on gravitational effects on a large scale - holding galaxies or galactic clusters together. These effects have been observed in sufficient detail that astronomers can describe its distribution in space. The big unanswered question is - what is it made of?
 

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