Further Reading

Saturday, 27 December 2008

Cosmic Crash Reveals Life Secrets

New shots of a "giant cosmic car crash" about 100 million years ago has shaken up a group of scientists investigating one of the mysteries of the universe. They say the spectacular intergalactic collision reveals new clues about the existence of 'dark matter', the framework to life as we know it.

The blues and pinks captured by powerful telescopes show a snapshot of galaxy clusters smashing into one another. Scientists say dark matter, although invisible to the naked eye, provides a vital "scaffolding" for the universe.

After the Big Bang, experts believe the gravitational force of this huge quantity of dark matter formed a framework for planets, stars, galaxies, thus shaping the cosmos.
Astronomer Richard Massey, from the University of Edinburgh, said the new clues are a step forward in researching the make-up of the universe.

"It is very important and crucial," he said. "Life wouldn't exist without this stuff." (Source: Sky News)