New Discoveries
For years, scientists believed dark particles had a mass about 10-31 times that of a proton.
In May, scientists revised the minimum mass of dark matter particles to 2.3 × 10-30 proton masses, a significant update in the field.
This change alters how scientists understand the behavior and density of dark matter in the universe.
What is Dark Matter?
Dark matter is an invisible substance that makes up five-sixths of the universe's mass.
Unlike light particles, dark matter particles must have mass to form the complex structure of the universe.
Dark Matter Distribution
Dark matter is thought to be spread uniformly across the universe, but its distribution may vary on smaller scales.
Even in houses, dark matter could exist, but it would depend on its density and the size of the lumps or spaces between dark matter particles.
Inter-particle Distance
The mass of dark matter particles affects the distance between them:
Heavy particles (100 proton masses) have 7 cm separation.
Heavier particles (1019 proton masses) are separated by 30 km.
If particles were too light (like 10-31 proton masses), their wavelengths would exceed the size of galaxies.
Recent Computational Insights
Recent research used computers and simulations to analyze dark matter density in the dwarf galaxy Leo II.
Results suggested that lighter dark matter particles (10-31 proton masses) couldn't account for all the mass in the galaxy’s inner regions.
Heavier particles are now considered necessary to explain this phenomenon.
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