Dark matter is a mysterious form of matter that makes up approximately 27% of the universe's total mass and energy content. It does not emit, absorb, or reflect light, making it invisible and undetectable by conventional telescopes. Its existence is inferred from its gravitational effects on visible matter, such as stars and galaxies.

Scientists believe that dark matter plays a crucial role in the structure and evolution of the universe. It's thought to have been present since shortly after the Big Bang and to be responsible for the formation of galaxies and large-scale structures in the universe.

Despite extensive efforts, the exact nature of dark matter remains unknown. Various hypotheses have been proposed to explain its composition, ranging from undiscovered elementary particles like WIMPs (Weakly Interacting Massive Particles) to modifications of the laws of gravity at large scales. However, as of now, there is no direct observational evidence for any specific dark matter particle or theory.

Research into dark matter continues to be a significant focus in astrophysics and particle physics, with experiments conducted both in laboratories on Earth and through observations of the cosmos. These efforts aim to uncover the true nature of dark matter and its role in shaping the universe as we know it.

Certainly! Here are some additional key points about dark matter:

1. Evidence: The primary evidence for dark matter comes from observations of the rotational speeds of galaxies, gravitational lensing, and the large-scale structure of the universe. These observations cannot be explained solely by the presence of visible matter, indicating the existence of unseen mass - dark matter.
2. Distribution: Dark matter is thought to be distributed throughout the universe in halos surrounding galaxies and clusters of galaxies. Within these halos, dark matter interacts gravitationally with visible matter, influencing the motions of stars and galaxies.
3. Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB): The cosmic microwave background radiation, the relic radiation from the early universe, also provides evidence for the existence of dark matter. Observations of the CMB's fluctuations support the idea that dark matter played a crucial role in the formation of cosmic structures.
4. Particle Candidates: Various hypothetical particles have been proposed as potential candidates for dark matter, including WIMPs (Weakly Interacting Massive Particles), axions, sterile neutrinos, and others. These particles are postulated to interact very weakly with ordinary matter, making them challenging to detect directly.
5. Direct Detection Experiments: Scientists conduct experiments in underground laboratories to directly detect dark matter particles interacting with ordinary matter. These experiments often involve extremely sensitive detectors shielded from background radiation to capture the rare interactions between dark matter and ordinary matter.
6. Indirect Detection: Indirect methods involve looking for the products of dark matter interactions, such as gamma rays, neutrinos, or cosmic rays, which may be produced when dark matter particles annihilate or decay.
7. Cosmological Simulations: Supercomputer simulations are used to model the behavior of dark matter in the universe, providing insights into its distribution, effects on galaxy formation, and large-scale structure.
8. Dark Energy: Dark matter should not be confused with dark energy, another mysterious component of the universe. While dark matter exerts gravitational attraction and helps in the formation of structures, dark energy is believed to be responsible for the observed acceleration of the universe's expansion.

Understanding the nature of dark matter is one of the most significant challenges in modern physics, with implications for our understanding of fundamental particles, cosmology, and the fate of the universe.

The concept of dark matter traces back to the 1930s, but the term "dark matter" itself emerged later. Here's a brief overview:

1. Fritz Zwicky (1930s): Swiss astrophysicist Fritz Zwicky was one of the first scientists to propose the existence of unseen mass in the universe. In the 1930s, while studying the Coma Cluster of galaxies, he noticed that the visible matter alone couldn't account for the gravitational forces necessary to hold the cluster together. He hypothesized the presence of "dunkle Materie" (German for "dark matter") to explain this discrepancy.
2. Vera Rubin and Kent Ford (1970s): American astronomers Vera Rubin and Kent Ford provided more concrete evidence for dark matter in the 1970s. They studied the rotation curves of spiral galaxies and found that stars in the outskirts of these galaxies were moving much faster than expected based on the visible mass alone. Their observations suggested the presence of vast amounts of unseen mass surrounding galaxies, supporting the concept of dark matter.
3. Coining of the Term "Dark Matter": The term "dark matter" itself gained popularity following the works of Rubin, Ford, and other scientists studying galactic rotation curves. It became widely accepted as a convenient way to describe the mysterious, invisible substance that appeared to be pervasive throughout the universe.

Since then, numerous observations and experiments have provided additional evidence for the existence of dark matter, solidifying its status as a fundamental component of the cosmos. Despite decades of research, however, the true nature of dark matter remains one of the most significant unsolved mysteries in modern physics.

The dark matter cannot be seen visually but it is surely the matter of life as various planets and even galaxies are formed because of them.