Why is it in the news?

• Scientists have developed a novel approach to investigate cold dark matter (CDM), a hypothetical form comprising 25% of the current universe.

 More about the news

• The universe is composed of at least two types of matter: Baryonic matter and Dark matter.

1) Baryonic Matter: Made up of protons and neutrons, measurable through conventional observational means. It includes stars, galaxies, and all observable celestial objects.

2) Dark Matter: Dark matter cannot be directly detected through normal observational means. Its presence is inferred through gravitational effects on baryonic matter. Dark matter, including CDM, does not reflect or emit light, making it challenging to observe directly.

Types of Dark Matter

• Dark matter is classified into three general groups: Hot Dark Matter (HDM), Warm Dark Matter (WDM), and Cold Dark Matter (CDM).
• Among the three types, CDM has been the leading candidate to explain the missing mass in the universe.

CDM Characteristics

• CDM, if it exists, moves slowly compared to the speed of light.
• Believed to have existed since the beginning of the universe, influencing the growth of galaxies and the formation of the first stars.
• The widely used Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMP) model suggests that CDM comprises heavy particles with very weak interactions with normal matter.
• CDM is thought to play a crucial role in shaping the large-scale structure of the universe and influencing cosmic evolution.
• Due to its weak interactions and lack of light emission, detecting CDM directly remains a significant challenge in astrophysics.
• Scientists are employing new approaches to explore CDM, aiming to enhance our understanding of its nature and properties.
• The recent research emphasizes the importance of relaxing assumptions to gain better insights into the characteristics of CDM.