Step inside the mysterious world of Dark Matter, and the latest research and conclusions.
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This lecture was recorded at the Ri on 4 October 2025.
Over the past fifty years, astronomers have grown increasingly certain that most of the Universe is made up of a mysterious, invisible substance that defies our current understanding of physics. This enigmatic material — known as Dark Matter — appears to have shaped the cosmos from its earliest moments, playing a crucial role in the formation of galaxies, stars, and ultimately, life itself. Yet despite its profound influence, Dark Matter has never been directly detected.
Join astronomer Matt Bothwell as he explores the evidence that has led scientists to this astonishing conclusion. From the motions of galaxies to the afterglow of the Big Bang, he reveals the clues that point to this hidden side of the cosmos — and the ongoing quest to uncover the true nature of Dark Matter.
He will also discuss the latest breakthroughs and challenges in the field, including how traditional searches for Dark Matter particles may be reaching their limits, the exciting new possibilities with candidates like axions, and the intriguing twists and false alarms that have characterised the search so far.
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Matt Bothwell is the Public Astronomer at the Institute of Astronomy, University of Cambridge, and a Bye‑Fellow of Girton College. An astrophysicist by training, he earned his PhD from Cambridge in 2011 and spent a decade as a galaxy evolution researcher before transitioning to full-time science communication.
He now leads the Institute of Astronomy public engagement programme, visiting schools, hosting stargazing events for all ages, and delivering talks across the UK and beyond. He is the author of adult title 'The Invisible Universe (Why There’s More to Reality Than Meets the Eye)', and his writing has appeared online in 'The Daily Beast', 'The Guardian', and 'Writer’s Digest'.
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