Scientists have long puzzled over the mystery of dark matter. It’s something that can’t be seen or touched, but we know it’s out there because of its gravitational effects on galaxies and other cosmic structures. Recently, physicist Stefano Profumo from the University of California, Santa Cruz, proposed two intriguing ideas about what dark matter might be.
In his first paper, published in May 2025, Profumo suggests that dark matter could come from a ‘mirror’ universe. In this alternate realm, particles exist that are similar to our protons and neutrons but are hidden from us. This idea is rooted in a branch of physics called quantum chromodynamics, which studies how quarks and gluons come together to form matter. If our universe has a mirrored version, then concentrations of these hidden particles might create black holes that only interact with our universe through gravity.
The second paper, released in July, explores the idea that dark matter particles could have formed during the rapid expansion of the universe just after the Big Bang. According to Profumo, this process could occur at what’s known as the cosmic horizon, the boundary beyond which we cannot see. During that explosive growth, fluctuations in energy might lead to the spontaneous creation of dark matter particles.
Both of these theories are considered speculative but are grounded in acceptable scientific principles. Profumo notes, “These ideas don’t rely on traditional dark matter models, which haven’t been confirmed despite extensive searches.” Indeed, ongoing studies show that many potential candidates for dark matter, from massive particles to small, elusive entities, have yet to be discovered.
The dark matter puzzle is crucial to our understanding of the universe. Approximately 27% of the universe is thought to consist of dark matter, yet we only know of its existence through its gravitational effects. Recent surveys indicate that galaxies move faster than they should if only visible matter were present, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of dark matter.
Scientists expect that future experiments could test Profumo’s theories. As technology improves, we may find new ways to uncover the nature of dark matter. This ongoing journey into the unknown not only expands our understanding of the cosmos but also challenges us to rethink our fundamental ideas about matter and the universe.
For those interested in following this research, the studies have been published in Physical Review D. You can read about the first paper here and the second paper here.
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