Dark matter and dark energy are two mysterious components that shape the cosmos, yet they have distinct roles:
- Dark Matter:
- Function: Dark matter acts like an attractive force, akin to cosmic cement that holds our universe together.
- Interaction: It interacts with gravity but does not reflect, absorb, or emit light.
- Evidence: Astronomers inferred its existence from the behavior of galaxies. Stars at a galaxy’s outer edge orbit just as fast (or faster) than stars near the center, defying expectations. This invisible matter apparently provides the mass needed to maintain galactic structures12.
- Composition: Dark matter makes up approximately 27% of the universe’s total mass and energy.
- Dark Energy:
- Function: Dark energy is a repulsive force, acting like a sort of anti-gravity. Its primary role is to drive the universe’s ever-accelerating expansion.
- Interaction: Unlike dark matter, dark energy doesn’t interact with ordinary matter or radiation except through gravity.
- Dominance: Dark energy is the dominant force, accounting for roughly 68% of the universe’s total mass and energy.
- Remaining Matter: The remaining 5% consists of the regular matter we see and interact with daily13.
In summary, dark matter holds galaxies together, while dark energy propels the universe’s expansion, creating a delicate cosmic balance. 🌌🔭
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