Ask the Chatbot Games & Quizzes History & Society Science & Tech Biographies Animals & Nature Geography & Travel Arts & Culture ProCon Money Videos
dark matter
Introduction & Top Questions References & Edit History Quick Facts & Related Topics
Images & Videos
Understand gravitational lenses and the importance of tracking the dark matter
gravitational lens galaxy cluster 1E0657-56 matter-energy content of the universe
Learn about dark matter and its gravitational effects
Hear about Fritz Zwicky and his discovery of the existence of dark matter
For Students
default image
dark matter summary
Quizzes
Nicolaus Copernicus. Nicolas Copernicus (1473-1543) Polish astronomer. In 1543 he published, forward proof of a Heliocentric (sun centered) universe. Coloured stipple engraving published London 1802. De revolutionibus orbium coelestium libri vi.
All About Astronomy
Related Questions

dark matter: Facts & Related Content

verifiedCite
While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.
Select Citation Style
Share
Share to social media
URL
https://www.britannica.com/facts/dark-matter

News •

Huge rotating structure of galaxies and dark matter is detected • Dec. 9, 2025, 2:42 AM ET (Reuters)
Historic search for 'huge missing piece' of the universe turns up negative — but reveals new secrets of particle physics • Dec. 8, 2025, 6:15 AM ET (Live Science)
Scientists are turning Earth into a giant detector for hidden forces shaping our Universe • Dec. 7, 2025, 3:48 AM ET (ScienceDaily)
Dark Matter May Have Finally Been Detected in Our Galaxy's Glow • Nov. 25, 2025, 11:15 PM ET (ScienceAlert)

Facts

Also Known As nonluminous matter • hidden mass • missing mass

Photos and Videos

gravitational lens
galaxy cluster 1E0657-56
matter-energy content of the universe
Understand gravitational lenses and the importance of tracking the dark matter
Learn about dark matter and its gravitational effects
Hear about Fritz Zwicky and his discovery of the existence of dark matter
See All Videos and Images →

Related Topics and References

Topics
Dig Deeper: More Articles That Discuss This Topic

Key People

Vera Rubin
Vera Rubin
American astronomer
Freeman, Ken
Ken Freeman
Australian astronomer
Adam Riess
Adam Riess
American astronomer

Related Quizzes

Nicolaus Copernicus. Nicolas Copernicus (1473-1543) Polish astronomer. In 1543 he published, forward proof of a Heliocentric (sun centered) universe. Coloured stipple engraving published London 1802. De revolutionibus orbium coelestium libri vi.
All About Astronomy