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"Dark matter" got its name for two reasons:

1) It doesn't interact with baryonic matter (ie, the stuff we understand) via the electromagnetic force, and thus doesn't give off light. In that sense, it's most likely all around us and yet we can never see it.

2) Our understanding of it is almost nil -- in other words, we're "in the dark" about its nature. In this sense, it got its name the same way "x-rays" did -- we don't understand dark matter anymore than William Roentgen understood the rays he found.

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Q: What was dark matter named after?
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What is a dark matter microscope used for?

A dark matter microscope is used to indirectly detect and study dark matter by analyzing the impact it has on the distribution of visible matter in space. By observing the gravitational effects of dark matter on visible matter, scientists can infer the presence and properties of dark matter particles.


How strong is dark matter?

Dark matter's strength is proportional to it's mass. This means that more dark matter in one spot is stronger then a little bit of dark matter in that same spot.


When was Dark Matter - series - created?

Dark Matter - series - was created in 2004.


Is the universe matter?

The Universe contains matter, energy, dark matter, dark energy, empty space - and of course, lots of structures made up of those.The Universe contains matter, energy, dark matter, dark energy, empty space - and of course, lots of structures made up of those.The Universe contains matter, energy, dark matter, dark energy, empty space - and of course, lots of structures made up of those.The Universe contains matter, energy, dark matter, dark energy, empty space - and of course, lots of structures made up of those.


Dark matter is detected because it?

Dark matter can be detected because it got gravity.

Related questions

What is a dark matter microscope used for?

A dark matter microscope is used to indirectly detect and study dark matter by analyzing the impact it has on the distribution of visible matter in space. By observing the gravitational effects of dark matter on visible matter, scientists can infer the presence and properties of dark matter particles.


Where is the largest dark matter in the universe?

Dark matter is everywhere, there really is no place that has the most dark matter.


Is dark matter a subatomic particle?

Dark matter is an unknowm form of matter.


What is the scientific term for the opposite of dark matter?

The opposite of dark matter is visible matter.


How strong is dark matter?

Dark matter's strength is proportional to it's mass. This means that more dark matter in one spot is stronger then a little bit of dark matter in that same spot.


What can matter not be?

dark matter


Matter in space that does not give off electromagnetic radiation is called?

Dark matter.


What colour is dark matter?

Dark matter is invisible. It doesn't interact with light.


When was Hooray for Dark Matter created?

Hooray for Dark Matter was created in 2005.


When was Cold Dark Matter created?

Cold Dark Matter was created in 1992.


What is the ISBN of Particle Dark Matter?

The ISBN of Particle Dark Matter is 9780521763684.


When was Emre - Dark Matter - created?

Emre - Dark Matter - was created in 2004.