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This animation depicts what evidence says happened when two collections of galaxies collided. The dark matter (blue) interacts so little that it passes through the collision, but the hot gas (red) gets slowed. The result is the "Bullet Cluster". Credit: NASA/CXC/M.Weiss
This animation depicts the formation of large structures filled with millions of galaxies, all clumping in places where dark matter was slightly denser. Dark matter has been essential to the formation of the largest structures in the universe. Animation from cosmicweb.uchicago.edu/.
The edges of galaxies rotate at speeds that should not be possible. Our own earth is located in a spiral arm of the Milky Way Galaxy that should have separated from the core a long time ago, given its speed. Dark matter appears to prevent galaxies from flying apart, allowing them to grow very large. From Willem van Bremen.
Researchers from all over the world are working every day to enable the discovery of dark matter's nature. At SMU, undergraduate and graduate students play a critical role in advancing this scientific goal. Learn more from smuresearch.com.

Dark Matter Day is an international day designated to help inform the world about the importance of learning more about dark matter, and about the many ways scientists are trying to solve dark matter’s mysteries. To learn more about the organization of this day, see darkmatterday.org.

Events

The Society of Physics Students at SMU is hosting a “Dark Matter Particle Rock Hunt” on October 29th, 2021, from 8am-3pm (US Central Time). This event is in celebration of SMU’s Fifth Annual Dark Matter Hunt, and we look forward to seeing everyone in person this year!

October 29th from 8am-3pm: Dark Matter Particle Rock Hunt!

The Society of Physics Students at SMU is organizing a "Dark Matter Rock Hunt” for October 29, 2021, from 8am-3pm (US Central Time).

During the hours of 8am-3pm, you can join in the hunt for 26 rocks representing the 26% of our universe that is dark matter. These rocks will be spread across the entire campus in eye view, so no need to go digging around in the dirt. Visit the SMU twitter page throughout the day for tips and hints on where these rocks are located. When you find a rock, post a picture of yourself and the rock on twitter and tag the SMU twitter page (@SMUPhysics). You can then take your rock to FOSC 102 and claim your prize!

Students, faculty, staff, and members of the SMU community are encouraged to participate in searching for Dark Matter and learn about the importance of Dark Matter to our universe. Each dark matter particle will be labeled and accompanied by a curious fact about dark matter, based on what is known so far. If you find a rock, we encourage you to let your friends and colleagues know so they can participate as well.

Learn More about Dark Matter

Too excited to wait for Oct. 29? Get a head start on learning about Dark Matter using the resources below!

PhD Comics presents "What is Dark Matter?"

Jodi Cooley and Alex Drlica-Wagner talk about The Case of the Missing Matter