Dark Matter: Shedding Light on the Universe’s Hidden Mass

In the vast expanse of the universe, a mysterious form of matter exerts a powerful influence, yet it remains invisible to our eyes and instruments. Known as dark matter, this elusive substance does not emit, absorb, or reflect light, making it undetectable through conventional means. However, its gravitational pull shapes galaxies, bends light, and governs the formation of cosmic structures. Scientists estimate that dark matter comprises approximately 27% of the universe’s total mass-energy content, dwarfing the 5% that is visible matter (Planck Collaboration, 2020). Despite its elusive nature, dark matter is a central focus in astrophysics, as understanding it could unlock profound secrets about the cosmos.