Dark Matter on Earth: Rarer than Gold and More Mysterious

---

A team of scientists has developed a new method to map dark matter, the enigmatic substance that makes up about 85% of the universe but does not interact with light and cannot be directly observed.

• Discovering Dark Matter in 10 Seconds: The Hope in a Supernova

• First Image from the “Euclid” Telescope… Scientific Evidence for the Existence of Dark Matter

Its significance lies in its role in keeping galaxies intact as they rotate. While dark matter is more abundant in the universe than gold, scientists estimate that the amount present on Earth is far less than that of gold.

The scientific team, led by researcher Sukanya Chakrabarti from the University of Alabama, has devised a new way to detect dark matter by observing the “wobble” of the Milky Way. This oscillation is caused by the gravitational influence of small galaxies orbiting ours, such as the Large Magellanic Cloud, as well as the impact of rapidly spinning neutron stars known as “pulsars.”

• The Mystery of Dark Energy… Why is the Universe tearing itself apart?

• Banana-like Galaxies… Study reveals the real shape

Pulsars: Cosmic Lighthouses

Pulsars are a type of neutron star that form after the explosion of massive stars. With immense density and rapid rotation, they act as “cosmic lighthouses,” emitting beams of light across space. Scientists can observe these pulsars and use their signals to measure gravitational effects within the galaxy, helping them study the distribution of dark matter.

For instance, imagine a flashlight spinning in the dark, illuminating different parts of a room each time its beam passes. Similarly, pulsars emit regular beams of radiation, and by precisely tracking these emissions, scientists can measure variations in acceleration caused by dark matter‘s influence.

• Study unveils a surprise about the Universe: “Smaller than we thought”

• Nasa’S James Webb Space Telescope captures a tarantula!

An Unexpected Discovery

In this new research, the team found that solitary pulsars—not just those in binary systems, as previously believed—can be used to study dark matter. This breakthrough doubles the number of pulsars available for such studies.

According to Chakrabarti, this discovery represents a major leap forward. She stated, “We can now measure the density of dark matter in our region of the galaxy with greater accuracy than ever before. For instance, we have found that there is less than one kilogram of dark matter in a volume equivalent to the entire Earth, making it incredibly rare compared to gold, which we produce in the millions of kilograms each year.”

• James Webb Telescope captures 19 intricate galactic structures with stunning details 

• “James Webb” contributes to deciphering the chemical code of the “Hot Saturn” planet 

Why Is Dark Matter Important?

Without dark matter, the gravity exerted by ordinary matter—such as stars and planets—would not be sufficient to keep galaxies intact as they rotate. This is why scientists consider dark matter the “glue” that prevents galaxies from tearing apart.

To explain this with a simple analogy, imagine spinning a toy top. If nothing holds it together, it will fly apart under the force of its rotation. Similarly, dark matter keeps galaxies from breaking apart as they move.

• “A Real Monster”… “James Webb” discovers a surprise in deep space (Image)

• Galactic Heart: Breathtaking new image from James Webb Space Telescope

Studying Galactic Oscillations

In her previous research, Chakrabarti used computer models to demonstrate how small galaxies like the Large Magellanic Cloud influence the Milky Way. When these galaxies approach, they exert a pull on certain regions, causing the galaxy to wobble, much like a toddler learning to walk.

Now, with new pulsar data, the team has been able to measure this effect for the first time.

The study is currently under peer review, but its initial findings are available on the research platform arXiv.

• James Webb Observes the Big Bang… Lasting 200 Seconds

• The Space Telescope James Webb will observe a planet potentially covered in water

• Jupiter – James Webb Telescope shows incredible view of planet