alienation news

Canadian duo step closer to proving existence of mysterious dark matter

A pair of Canadian astronomers and an American scientist have for the first time measured the shape and size of dark matter surrounding galaxies and its effect on light emitted from more distant sources - findings that tip the scale in favour of the existence of the mysterious substance.
The existence of dark matter has been hotly debated among astronomers for years. It's believed to comprise about 25 per cent of the total mass of the universe, with the rest consisting of normal matter (five per cent) and dark energy (70 per cent). Dark energy is believed to push particles apart, contributing to the expansion of the universe.
Some astronomers have developed theories based on the assumption that dark matter doesn't exist, and consequently, have suggested changing the law of gravity. The new measurements refute those theories, says Howard Yee, a professor at the University of Toronto who began the research with his colleagues in 1999.