Though invisible, dark matter clumps provided gravitational scaffolding for ordinary matter. Without it, galaxies might never have formed. It interacted only gravitationally, forming dense regions where gas could condense into stars. Observations of galaxy rotation and CMB fluctuations confirm its role. Dark matter’s origin is still linked to early-universe physics, possibly from exotic particles. Understanding it connects Big Bang conditions to galaxy formation today.
It matters because dark matter determines how the universe’s structure evolved.
It also drives research into particle physics, linking cosmology and quantum theory.
Dark matter shaped galaxies long before stars even existed.
European Space Agency [esa.int]