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James Webb Space Telescope Observations Map Dark Matter via Gravitational Lensing
Astronomers, based on observations from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), unveil a detailed map of dark matter. The map is derived via gravitational effects, as dark matter is inferred through its influence on ordinary matter.
James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and Dark Matter:
| Dimension | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Nature | Hypothesised form of matter that is invisible and is inferred to exist based on gravitational effects on ordinary matter (stars, planets, moons). |
| Interaction with light | Does not emit, absorb, or reflect light and barely interacts with normal matter. |
| Composition of the Universe | Normal or visible matter (5%), dark matter (27%), dark energy (68%). |
| Mandate | Enables exploration of the Universe’s history from the first luminous objects after the Big Bang to the formation and evolution of galaxies, stars, planetary systems, and our Solar System. |
| Launched year | Launched in 2021. |
| Location | Orbits the Sun at the second Lagrange point (L2). |