Scientists May Have Finally Seen Dark Matter After 100-Year Search

ByJamie Carter,

Senior Contributor.

One of the most mysterious components of the universe — dark matter — may have finally been found after a century-long search.

Dark matter emits no light or energy, so it is undetectable using telescopes. Scientists using data from NASA's Fermi Gamma-Ray Space Telescope, which has been orbiting Earth since 2008, have detected the aftermath of dark matter particles colliding. Although stronger evidence is required, it could be a breakthrough in particle physics.

Dark matter is thought to account for about 85% of matter in the universe and is thought to interact only with gravity. It’s therefore hypothetical; its existence is only inferred by its effect on other things.