Dark matter is often talked about, and yet collectively scientists know so little about it. One of the primary things about dark matter is that it does not interact at all with the electromagnetic radiation. This makes it particularly difficult to detect using traditional equipment like telescopes and radio waves.The problem with this idea however, is that most of our universe is made of dark energy or dark matter. Two largely unaccounted forms of matter that inhabit the large part of our known universe.

How do we know?

According to calculations, dark matter consists of approximately 27% of all matter in the universe. This might not seem so much, except when you consider that the universe consists only of around 5% visible matter. 

There are several theories as to why dark matter is known to exist, and one of these includes the unaccounted speeds for galaxies' rotational curves. Some stars that we measure are simply going too fast, and therefore we need new mediums of gravity to understand where their speed is coming from. From these measurements, we theorize that dark matter exists. 

Additionally, gravitational lensing also occurs where the light coming from particular galactic clusters is bent and therefore distorted. Gravitational lensing can occur normally, however, the amount of lensing is unaccounted for by visible matter, implying some other actors at play.

Lastly, the cosmic microwave background (CMB) radiation provides some good insights into dark matter. The CMB is recognized as the leftovers from the big bang, and detailed measurements of its radiation have been made. These measurements suggest some early temperature fluctuations which made way for the universe we see now, including the presence of dark matter, as of some yet unknown materia that does not interact with light, but has a normal gravitational presence.

Theory

The question on a lot of scientists' minds when it comes to dark matter is how can we truly study dark matter if we can’t even begin detecting it. I think to begin making headway into formalizing a theory in dark matter, we must first dissuade ourselves from the idea that dark matter is just like regular matter but not visible. I think a better question would be, why is it not visible? If visible matter is supposed to light our way to some sort of truth or discovery, perhaps dark matter obscures the truth. Rather, perhaps dark matter is more simply understood through some unknown fundamental force. We know that it does not interact with the electromagnetic spectrum, however it could entail something like the opposite of a photon that robs other particles of their properties.

Dark matter could also be a simple formation tool for the universe to essentially “slot” in regular matter. Kind of how foam fills the interior of your couch, and then visible matter might be the soft leather surface you actually sit on. In this case it wouldn’t matter what dark matter is. However, there may still be some use that we can find from whatever this substance is. Also, scientists must account for its presence whenever extremely accurate calculations are needed, as it does have the ability to interfere with spaceships and other manmade objects at miniscule degrees.

Overall, it seems that we still don’t know enough about dark matter. My far-out theory is that it might just be something conceptual that is made by the universe as matter gains and loses mass through the Higgs interaction. Let me know what you think down below.

Visible Matter: Once lost but now found (sciencenews.org)

Dark Energy, Dark Matter | Science Mission Directorate (nasa.gov)

Planck Mission Brings Universe Into Sharp Focus | NASA

What is dark matter? | Space

How Dark Matter Could Be Measured in the Solar System | NASA