All of the given options are valid ways in which scientists have gathered evidence for the existence of dark matter. However, the strongest evidence comes from observing gravitational effects on visible matter and the large-scale structure of the universe.
One of the main reasons scientists believe dark matter exists is because of its gravitational effects. Observations of the rotation curves of galaxies and the movement of galaxies within galaxy clusters indicate the presence of more mass than can be accounted for by visible matter alone. This additional mass, referred to as dark matter, is thought to provide the gravitational force necessary to explain these observations.
Another important piece of evidence is the phenomenon of gravitational lensing. This occurs when the gravitational force of a massive object, such as a galaxy or galaxy cluster, bends the path of light from objects behind it. By studying the bending of light, scientists can determine the distribution of mass in the universe. Gravitational lensing has provided further evidence for the existence of dark matter as it reveals the presence of unseen mass that exerts a gravitational pull.
Overall, while scientists have not directly observed or identified dark matter particles, they have been able to infer its existence through its gravitational effects on visible matter and the large-scale structure of the universe.
How do scientists know that dark matter exists?
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They notice that light seems to "disappear" in certain areas of galaxies.
Something has to be there to form superclusters; gravity alone wouldn't do it.
It's the only explanation for the redshifts phenomenon seen in some celestial objects.
They observe gravitational lensing bending the light of other objects in space
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