Dark Matter Enigma explores the compelling mystery of dark matter, a substance believed to constitute a significant portion of the universe's mass. The need to understand dark matter stems from observations like galactic rotation curves, pioneered by astronomers such as Vera Rubin, which reveal galaxies rotate faster than expected based on their visible matter. The book presents evidence for dark matter through phenomena like gravitational lensing, where light bends around unseen mass, and the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB), which offers insights into the universe's early composition.
The book transitions from evidence to theory, examining candidates like WIMPs, axions, and sterile neutrinos, as well as alternative theories like MOND. These theories are evaluated against observational data to assess their viability. The Bullet Cluster, a collision of galaxy clusters displaying a clear separation of dark matter from ordinary matter, further supports the existence of dark matter.
This book emphasizes that while ample astronomical data supports the existence of dark matter, its precise nature remains elusive. It progresses by first establishing the historical context and foundational knowledge, then moves into the evidence for dark matter, and concludes by delving into the theoretical landscape. The book is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand this enigma in science and cosmology.
