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Article: Shedding light on dark matter // Scientists try to explain small galaxy's gravity
- Article from:
- Chicago Sun-Times
- Article date:
- February 22, 1998
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright 1998 Chicago Sun-Times. (Hide copyright information)
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WASHINGTON A David-vs.-Goliath battle of cosmic proportions is
unfolding in this galaxy, a battle that could have implications for
the fate of the universe.
Somewhere relatively nearby, a tiny galaxy has been orbiting the
much larger Milky Way, remarkably holding its own against the
gargantuan bully whose immense gravity should be tearing it to
pieces.
Scientists now suspect they know the secret of David's strength:
dark matter, a mysterious substance that helps hold the small galaxy
together despite the tremendous forces pulling at it.
Dark matter remains one of the great mysteries of the universe.
Scientists do not know what it is and cannot see it. But they
strongly suspect it exists ...