Dark matter passes another test to confirm its existence

The theoretical form of matter that makes up an estimated 70–90% of the Universe’s matter-content — whose influence holds the galaxies together — has passed yet another experimental test to confirm its existence.

Dark matter has become an object for scientists that is as fascinating as it is mysterious, and whilst many cosmologists and astrophysicists firmly accept its existence there are still groups of scientists that believe that effects attributed to dark matter could be explained by modified theories of gravity.

New research conducted by SISSA could answer some of the more recent questions regarding the presence of dark matter within galaxies — whilst disproving the empirical relations in support of alternative theories. The study — published in the Astrophysical Journal — also offers new insights into understanding the nature of dark matter and its relationship with ordinary matter.

From the expansion of the universe to the movement of stars in the galaxies, there are many phenomena that cannot be explained by the presence of baryonic matter alone — baryonic meaning composed of baryons like protons and neutrons, such as the matter we see around us every…