Abstract
The deepest and clearest maps yet of the Universe's skeleton of dark-matter structure present a picture broadly in concord with favoured models — although puzzling discrepancies remain. The cover shows part of the first map of the large-scale distribution of 'dark matter' in the Universe, constructed using images obtained in the largest ever survey with the Hubble Space Telescope. Dark matter is a mysterious substance that dominates the mass of the Universe, but neither emits nor reflects light, so is consequently invisible. It can be detected indirectly via gravitational lensing, the deflection of light from distant galaxies by any foreground concentrations of mass. The new map depicts a network of dark matter filaments that have grown over time and are separated by huge voids. Ordinary 'baryonic' particles (which account for only a sixth of the total mass in the Universe) subsequently build all stars, galaxies and planets inside this underlying scaffold of dark matter, during a process of gravitationally induced structure formation. (Cover image: NASA/ESA/R. Massey.)
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
