One of the biggest mysteries in astrophysics is what happened to the missing matter in the universe. Observations show that the universe is only composed of about 5% ordinary matter, the stuff we can see and touch. The rest is made up of dark matter (27%) and dark energy (68%).

What is Dark Matter?

Dark matter is a hypothetical type of matter that doesn't interact with electromagnetic radiation, meaning it cannot be seen or detected directly. Its existence is inferred from its gravitational effects on visible matter. Dark matter is thought to make up about 27% of the universe.

Where is the Missing Matter?

The missing matter in the universe is thought to be mostly dark matter, with a small amount of it being baryonic matter (matter made of protons and neutrons). Baryonic matter is thought to be in the form of hot gas that fills the space between galaxies and galaxy clusters.

Why is it Missing?

The reason for the missing matter in the universe is still unknown. One possibility is that it was never created in the first place. Another possibility is that it was created but has since been destroyed or converted into dark matter.

The Search for Missing Matter

Scientists are currently searching for the missing matter in the universe. They are using a variety of methods, including:

- Observational studies of galaxy clusters and galaxy rotation curves

- Numerical simulations of the universe

- Laboratory experiments

The search for missing matter is one of the most important and challenging problems in astrophysics. Solving this mystery will help us to better understand the universe and our place in it.