The Milky Way has a halo of dark matter surrounding it from "summary" of The Milky Way by Moiya McTier
The Milky Way is not alone in the vast expanse of space. It is actually surrounded by a mysterious halo of dark matter, a substance that does not emit, absorb, or reflect light. This dark matter makes up about 90% of the mass of the Milky Way, yet it remains invisible to our eyes and even our most powerful telescopes.
The presence of dark matter can be inferred through its gravitational effects on visible matter, such as stars and gas. Scientists believe that this dark matter halo extends far beyond the visible disk of the Milky Way, reaching distances of up to 600,000 light-years from the galactic center. This vast halo plays a crucial role in the dynamics of the Milky Way, influencing the motions of stars and gas within the galaxy.
The exact nature of dark matter remains a mystery, as it has eluded direct detection thus far. Despite its invisibility, dark matter exerts a powerful gravitational pull that holds the Milky Way together and shapes its structure. Without the presence of dark matter, the Milky Way would not be able to maintain its spiral arms and rotating disk.
The study of dark matter and its halo around the Milky Way is a key area of research in astrophysics. By understanding the properties and distribution of dark matter, scientists hope to unravel the mysteries of galaxy formation and evolution. The dark matter halo surrounding the Milky Way serves as a constant reminder of the invisible forces at play in the universe, challenging our perceptions of the cosmos and pushing the boundaries of our knowledge.
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