Scientists say they may be closer to directly detecting dark matter, the poorly understood substance believed to constitute about 85% of the matter in the universe, the Guardian reports in its science podcast.
Background
Dark matter cannot be seen directly and has so far been inferred only from the gravitational effects it exerts on visible matter, radiation and the large-scale structure of the cosmos. For decades it has been one of physics’ central outstanding puzzles because its composition remains unknown despite its apparent dominance of matter in the universe.
The Guardian’s science editor, Ian Sample, speaks to presenter Madeleine Finlay about a recent claim from researchers who say they have taken a step closer to detecting dark matter. Sample explains why, if the result is confirmed by further analysis and independent verification, it would be one of the biggest discoveries in science and could fundamentally change our understanding of the cosmos.
Researcher response
Dr Samuel Eriksen, a senior research associate at the University of Bristol and the paper’s first author, appears on the programme to describe how the finding has been received within the physics community. He outlines the scrutiny the claim is receiving and discusses the next steps researchers say are needed to test and validate the result.
Listeners can hear the full discussion on the Guardian’s science podcast, which explores both the technical aspects of the research and its broader significance for cosmology and particle physics. The Guardian is also soliciting support for its science coverage through its website.