Space & Astronomy

Could dark matter have arisen from a connected 'dark mirror' universe ?

By T.K. Randall
February 20, 2024 ·  4 comments

The nature of dark matter remains shrouded in mystery. Image Credit: ESA / NASA The precise nature of dark matter and dark energy, which are thought to account for up to 96% of the observable universe, remains one of the most important unsolved mysteries in modern physics.

Despite concerted efforts, astronomers have been unable to observe dark matter directly because it does not absorb, emit or reflect any electromagnetic radiation, thus making it impossible to see.

Now in a new study, scientists have proposed that there could be a hidden link that connects both regular matter and dark matter - a new form of symmetry that we have yet to understand.

Dark matter may in fact exist in a type of mirror universe, the study authors propose, with a broken set of rules that helps to balance out aspects of the observable, normal matter universe.Perhaps in this dark mirror universe, for instance, protons are slightly heavier - making the formation of atoms impossible and resulting in a sea of 'dark neutrons'.

It is even possible that in the chaotic early universe, channels might have opened up between the regular matter and dark matter universes - enabling interactions between them.

If so, in the future scientists may be able to use these to catch a glimpse of this dark mirror universe for themselves.

As things stand, however, there is no definitive evidence that such a universe exists.

Source: Live Science | Comments (4)

Tags: Dark Matter