Theoretical particles whose existence is deduced from certain forces in the Universe
Dark matter is a matter that does not emit enough electromagnetic radiation to be detected by the usual means, that is to say, its existence is in doubt but is deduced by the gravitational effects it has on visible matter, such as stars or galaxies.
Still, it is believed that a quarter of the universe is made up of this invisible matter.
The current theory on the detection of this matter is called "supersymmetry", which explains the fundamental interactions of particles, proving the existence of dark matter, although, until now, no study has been completely explanatory.
Now, a group of American astronomers have been using the Hubble telescope, and made a three-dimensional image of dark matter for the first time.
The observations were made in order to detect the matter, and it appears that the telescope is sensitive enough to pick up the signal from these particles. However, concrete results are at least three years away, according to the study, which has been christened CDMS.
For dark matter to exist, all particles must be neutral, stable and not interact with any other type of matter. These dark matter particles are called WIMPS (weakly interacting massive particles).
Most of these studies work with xenon and germanium, as they have this kind of particles. That is why they are kept in isolated places to prevent them from mixing with other elements.
There are other investigations, such as a so-called Axion Dark Matter from the University of Washington, that used a superconducting magnet to search for these particles, but their investigations have come to nothing conclusive.
Despite the difficulties in finding dark matter, scientists are not discouraged and have the belief that the answer about its existence, its conformation and other questions is a couple of years away.