Dark matter filaments detected for the first time

For the first time, a team of astronomers has "observed" a filament of dark matter connecting two neighboring galaxy clusters. Dark matter is a type of matter that interacts only very weakly with light and itself. Its very nature is mysterious. Mapping the dark matter filament's gravity was the key observation. The result is considered a crucial first step by scientists - it provides the first direct evidence that the universe is filled by a lacework of dark matter filaments, upon which the visible matter in the universe is distributed like small beads. This groundbreaking observation is consistent with modern cosmological models, but the story of dark matter actually starts some 80 years ago... Continue Reading Dark matter filaments detected for the first time

Section: Research Watch

Tags: Cosmology, Dark Matter, Space, Universe, University of Michigan

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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/GizmagEmergingTechnologyMagazine/~3/b-QrqGJIxiY/story01.htm

Rex Avery Masao Azuma Jan Bäckstrom