Look for Dark Matter

Posted by Katharine M. J. Osborne Aug 25, 2006

This week, in honor of the recent discovery, I thought I would cover dark matter a bit in an article.

Scientists really don't know what exactly dark matter is. The term 'dark matter' was conceived to explain why the universe is heavier than can be accounted for with just visible matter. Dark matter just means that whatever it is, it does not emit or reflect light or radiation, and therefore can't be detected with optical or radio telescopes.

In an upcoming series of articles, I'm publishing an interview with a leading scientist who has long led the charge against dark matter. I decided to interview him before this announcement, as I've never been a fan of dark matter - it just seems like too much of Frankenstein explanation (but that doesn't mean that it is wrong!). I'm interested in seeing his take on this recent discovery, although I've asked him some questions about other areas of astrophysics tbat he works in.