Scientists have obtained evidence of the existence of dark matter for the first time

Scientists have obtained the first direct confirmation of the existence of dark matter – a mysterious substance that accounts for over a quarter of the total mass of the Universe.

Using NASA’s Fermi Space Telescope, researchers have detected intense gamma radiation emanating from a peculiar “halo” surrounding our galaxy. The characteristics of this radiation – its energy and power – suggest that it originates from dark matter.

As noted by the study’s leader, Professor Tomonori Totani of the University of Tokyo, the resulting image can be considered the first time in history that humanity has actually “seen” traces of dark matter.

The existence of dark matter was first discussed in the 1930s, when Swiss astronomer Fritz Zwicky discovered that distant galaxies rotate significantly faster than expected based on their apparent mass. This paradox led scientists to the idea of ​​an invisible substance that neither emits nor absorbs light, yet exerts a powerful gravitational influence.

Decades later, physicists continue to search for dark matter particles, but have yet to directly detect them.

According to one popular hypothesis, dark matter may be formed from so-called weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs). These particles are heavier than the protons that make up atomic nuclei, but interact almost entirely with ordinary matter.

It is believed that when two WIMPs collide, they can annihilate—destroy each other, releasing a stream of secondary particles and a sharp burst of gamma radiation.

Recall that a mysterious green glow was recently detected on Jupiter.

To be continued…