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Article: Scientists Offer Proof of 'Dark Matter'; Analysis of Galactic Collision Said to Reveal Mysterious Substance
- Article from:
- The Washington Post
- Article date:
- August 22, 2006
- Author:
CopyrightThis material is published under license from the Washington Post. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Washington Post. (Hide copyright information)
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For decades, many scientists have theorized that the universe is
made up of nearly undetectable mysterious substances called dark
matter and dark energy. But until yesterday there was no proof that
the subatomic matter actually exists.
After studying data from a long-ago collision of two giant
clusters of galaxies, researchers now say they are certain dark
matter does exist and plays a central role in creating and defining
gravity throughout the universe.
While the scientists are still not sure exactly what dark matter
is, since they have yet to identify it in a laboratory, they said
that the workings of the universe cannot be explained without it.