14 DAY TRIAL // Our planet, the other orbs in the Solar System, the Sun and even ourselves - all are made of matter. We can see this matter that forms the world as we know it, and consequently, we can study its properties.
However, scientists have for some time now been aware that there is more to the cosmos than visible matter. In fact, the matter that we are familiar with is an infinitesimal part of the universe.
There's also dark matter and then there's dark energy, believed to account for 25% and 70% of the cosmos, respectively. Yes, this means visible matter only accounts for a measly 5%.
Both dark matter and dark energy are invisible to us. Hence, they cannot be studied directly and so scientists are at a loss when it comes to explaining what they are or how they work.
We know they exist because they interact with visible matter and so reveal their presence. However, researchers are yet to figure out a way to analyze them as they do with the universe that we can see.
Scientists suspect dark matter and its gravitational pull contribute to the formation of galaxies by herding stars together. Without it, these fiery orbs would simply be scattered all over the cosmos.
As for dark energy, researchers describe it as an energy intrinsic to empty space and stronger than anything we have ever had the chance to study. Some say it's not even a thing, but a property of empty space.
