BBC Science Focus Magazine

DARK MATTER: IS IT TIME WE GAVE UP LOOKING FOR IT?

Two cosmic anomalies tell us that something big is missing from our model of the Universe. First, stars in the outer regions of a typical galaxy are orbiting the centre too fast for the galaxy’s gravity to hold onto them. By rights, they should fly off into intergalactic space.

The second anomaly is that you are reading these words – that is, galaxies like the Milky Way, and therefore you, exist. According to the standard picture of galaxy formation, regions of the cooling debris of

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from BBC Science Focus Magazine

BBC Science Focus Magazine2 min read
What Causes Rainbow Clouds?
In the depths of winter, when conditions are just right, glittering clouds turn the polar skies into a spectacle of colour. Rainbow clouds – also known as ‘nacreous’ or ‘mother-of-pearl’ clouds after their resemblance to the iridescent shells of some
BBC Science Focus Magazine1 min read
What Dinosaur Would Be Most Dangerous To Us?
If you believe the films, it would be a never-ending battle if dinosaurs and humans had to coexist. But, as with animals today, some dinosaurs would have been dangerous, and others would have been harmless … at least if left alone. We would probably
BBC Science Focus Magazine1 min read
Does Cold Weather Cause The Common Cold?
“You need to wrap up or you'll catch a cold!” Most people have probably heard some variation of that parental plea while growing up, or have even given such advice to their own children. But contrary to popular belief, cold weather itself does not di

Related Books & Audiobooks