Dark matter and dark energy make up most of the universe's mass and energy from "summary" of Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson
The universe is a vast and mysterious place, filled with countless galaxies, stars, and planets. Yet, despite all that we can see and observe, there is still much about the universe that remains hidden from view. Dark matter and dark energy are two such invisible components that play a crucial role in shaping the cosmos.
Dark matter is a mysterious substance that does not emit, absorb, or reflect light, making it invisible to telescopes and other instruments. Yet, despite its elusive nature, dark matter makes up a significant portion of the universe's mass. In fact, scientists estimate that dark matter outweighs visible matter by a ratio of about six to one.
Dark energy, on the other hand, is a mysterious force that is causing the universe to expand at an accelerating rate. While the exact nature of dark energy remains unknown, scientists believe that it makes up about 70% of the total energy content of the universe. This means that dark energy is the dominant force driving the expansion of the cosmos.
Together, dark matter and dark energy make up the vast majority of the universe's mass and energy. In other words, the visible universe that we can see and touch is just a small fraction of the total cosmic pie. The rest is made up of dark matter and dark energy, two invisible and enigmatic components that continue to defy explanation.
As scientists continue to study and explore the mysteries of the universe, dark matter and dark energy will remain key areas of focus. By unraveling the secrets of these hidden forces, we may gain a deeper understanding of the cosmos and our place within it. For now, however, dark matter and dark energy continue to remain shrouded in mystery, reminding us of the vast unknowns that still lie beyond the reaches of our knowledge.
