Exploring the Dark Universe: Dark Matter and Dark Energy

Dark matter and dark energy together comprise about 95% of the universe. These unseen forces shape cosmic structures and accelerate the universe's expansion, yet their true nature remains elusive.

Unlike ordinary matter, dark matter does not emit, absorb, or reflect light, making it invisible and detectable only through its gravitational effects on stars and galaxies.

Galaxies spin at such speeds that without the presence of dark matter's extra gravity, they would tear themselves apart. Dark matter acts as a cosmic glue.

Dark energy works opposite to gravity, repelling rather than attracting. It's believed to be responsible for the accelerated expansion of the universe observed since the 1990s.

One theory suggests dark energy might be a property of space itself, arising from 'vacuum fluctuations' as described by quantum physics, challenging our understanding of the vacuum.

Unlike the constant dark energy density, some models propose that dark energy's strength changes over time, which could drastically alter predictions for the future of the universe.

Ambitious experiments worldwide, like the Large Hadron Collider and space-based telescopes, are hunting for particles and phenomena that could shed light on both dark matter and dark energy.