Dark energy and dark matter

Dark energy and dark matter refers to the unseen energy and matter components of the Universe. Dark matter is invisible, non-baryonic matter hypothesized to explain phenomena including gravitational lensing and galactic rotation curves. Dark energy is thought to permeate the Universe and, despite its low energy-density, is thought to be responsible for the accelerating expansion of the Universe.

Latest Research and Reviews

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News and Comment

  • News & Views |

    The theme of tensions in cosmology has become increasingly important in the cosmological community, proving capable of attracting new generations of scientists who want to be there and contribute to the next paradigm shift.

    • Eleonora Di Valentino
    • , Emmanuel Saridakis
    •  & Adam Riess
    Nature Astronomy 6, 1353-1355

  • Editorial |

    Our Collection on dwarf galaxies brings together a series of articles that showcase the breadth of research in this field, with links to galaxy formation and evolution, cosmology, dark matter and the interstellar medium.

    Nature Astronomy 6, 999-1000

  • Comments & Opinion |

    In the past 20 years, the discovery and characterization of the smallest galaxies have pushed the edges of observational endeavours and theoretical advancements alike, and they will continue to be at the forefront of this field for years to come.

    • Denija Crnojević
    •  & Burçin Mutlu-Pakdil
    Nature Astronomy 5, 1191-1194

  • Comments & Opinion |

    The Milky Way, Andromeda and Centaurus A host flattened arrangements of satellite dwarf galaxies with correlated kinematics. The rarity of similar structures in cosmological simulations constitutes a major problem for the ΛCDM model, with no obvious solution in sight.

    • Marcel S. Pawlowski
    Nature Astronomy 5, 1185-1187

  • Comments & Opinion |

    The existence of planes of satellites has been a cosmological surprise. However, evidence for stable, long-lived satellite planes is generally tenuous, and they are unexpected in all current models of galaxy formation.

    • Michael Boylan-Kolchin
    Nature Astronomy 5, 1188-1190
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