3D Map of Dark Matter
An international team of astronomers using
NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope has created the first three-dimensional map
of the large-scale distribution of dark matter in the universe.
An international team of astronomers using
NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope has created the first three-dimensional map
of the large-scale distribution of dark matter in the
universe.
Dark matter is an invisible form of matter whose total mass in the universe is more than five times that of “normal” matter (i.e., atoms). The nature of dark matter is still unknown. Its presence in the universe is inferred from its current influence within galaxies and clusters of galaxies, and the gravitational effect it has had on the evolution of structure in the universe. The first direct detection of dark matter was made this past year through observations of the Bullet Cluster of galaxies.
This new map provides the best evidence to date that normal matter, largely in the form of galaxies, accumulates along the densest concentrations of dark matter. The map reveals a loose network of filaments that grew over time and intersect in massive structures at the locations of clusters of galaxies.
Still no sight of angels dancing — just in case pinheads are still waiting.
Dark matter is an invisible form of matter whose total mass in the universe is more than five times that of “normal” matter (i.e., atoms). The nature of dark matter is still unknown. Its presence in the universe is inferred from its current influence within galaxies and clusters of galaxies, and the gravitational effect it has had on the evolution of structure in the universe. The first direct detection of dark matter was made this past year through observations of the Bullet Cluster of galaxies.
This new map provides the best evidence to date that normal matter, largely in the form of galaxies, accumulates along the densest concentrations of dark matter. The map reveals a loose network of filaments that grew over time and intersect in massive structures at the locations of clusters of galaxies.
Still no sight of angels dancing — just in case pinheads are still waiting.
Posted: Mon - January 8, 2007 at 08:24 AM