What is dark matter? I mean it is not from school but the answer seems complicated, can someone answer this for me?
When you calculate how objects such as visible galaxies should move under the influence of the gravitational fields of known, observable, masses, the results do not match the motions. To make the computations come out right, mass is imagined that we can not see.
Look at the definition: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dark%20matter
Here is a much more detailed description:
https://www.britannica.com/science/dark-matter
Dark matter is a term used to describe a form of matter that does not interact with light or other electromagnetic radiation, making it invisible and difficult to detect directly. It primarily reveals its presence through its gravitational effects on visible matter, such as galaxies and galaxy clusters.
To understand dark matter, let's start with what we know about ordinary matter. Ordinary matter, which includes atoms and particles like protons, neutrons, and electrons, interacts with light and other electromagnetic forces. These interactions allow us to see, feel, and interact with ordinary matter.
However, the movements and behaviors of visible matter, like stars and galaxies, cannot be fully explained by the gravitational effects of the visible matter alone. Scientists have observed that galaxies rotate faster and clusters of galaxies hold together stronger than can be accounted for by the visible matter they contain. This inconsistency led to the postulation of dark matter.
So, what is dark matter then? Dark matter is theorized to be a type of matter that does not emit, absorb, or reflect light or any other form of electromagnetic radiation. It is considered to be non-baryonic, meaning it is not composed of the same particles as ordinary matter.
The exact nature of dark matter remains a mystery. Various theories propose different types of particles as candidates for dark matter, such as weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) or axions. However, as of now, dark matter has not been directly observed or detected in a laboratory setting.
Instead, scientists rely on indirect evidence to study dark matter. These methods include observing the gravitational effects of dark matter on visible matter, mapping the distribution of matter in the universe through cosmic microwave background radiation, and studying the motion of galaxies and galaxy clusters.
To summarize, dark matter is a form of matter that does not interact with light or other electromagnetic radiation. Its presence is inferred from its gravitational effects on visible matter, and its exact composition and properties remain a subject of ongoing scientific research and investigation.