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Article: Invisible Dark Matter Detected, Scientists Say, Heightening Mystery
- Article from:
- The Washington Post
- Article date:
- April 19, 1995
- 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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Scientists reported yesterday that they have made the "first
significant detection" of the invisible dark matter that, in theory,
forms a halo around Earth's home galaxy, the Milky Way.
Their quarry was a population of dark objects called MACHOs
(massive compact halo objects) at least as large as the planet
Jupiter but not massive enough to shine as stars. What they found --
or how many they found -- further confounds one of the most pressing
quests in cosmic science: the search for the so-called dark matter
that makes up most of the galaxy's mass, as well as that of the rest
of the universe.
The international consortium of MACHO hunters, using the 1.27
meter telescope at Mount Stromlo ...