Post by : Badri Ariffin

Using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), scientists have crafted the most intricate map of dark matter to date. Dark matter, an elusive substance that constitutes the majority of the universe’s matter, remains invisible as it neither emits nor reflects light.

Comprising merely about 15 percent of the universe’s total matter, ordinary matter—like stars, planets, and humans—is overshadowed by the 85 percent that is dark matter, which is investigated through its gravitational interactions with galaxies and light.

To develop this advanced map, researchers examined how light from approximately 250,000 distant galaxies bends while traversing through space. This phenomenon, known as gravitational lensing, highlights the locations of dark matter.

The newly generated map boasts double the resolution of previous maps created by the Hubble Space Telescope. Additionally, it delves deeper into the cosmos, revealing the universe as it existed 8 to 10 billion years ago, a pivotal period for galaxy formation.

The map intricately showcases the cosmic web, illustrating galaxy clusters, extensive dark matter filaments, and areas with lower matter density.

The James Webb's advanced infrared capabilities enable it to detect fainter, more distant galaxies with striking clarity, thereby assisting scientists in producing more precise dark matter maps.

The findings were published in the journal Nature Astronomy, under the leadership of NASA scientist Diana Scognamiglio, who described the telescope as “a new pair of glasses for the universe,” enhancing visibility of hidden cosmic structures.

The map focuses on the COSMOS region within the constellation Sextans and will facilitate future research on the formation and evolution of the universe.

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