help

Dark Matter and the Stuff Humans are Made of

-- | May 28, 2014

Question: If dark matter does not emit or reflect any kind of light, (As I have heard from Neil deGrasse Tyson’s Cosmos series) then how come we can see [ourselves in] a mirror? — Cyrus

Answer: Scientists love to perform experiments that clear prove a fact. One interpretation of this observation is that this demonstrates that we are definitely not made of dark matter! So, simply by looking in a mirror you have proven something fundamental about the material that humans are made of. Congratulations!

Jeff Mangum

Facebook
Pinterest
Twitter
Linkedin

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the U.S. National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.
	Founded in 1956, the NRAO provides state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. NRAO telescopes are open to all astronomers regardless of institutional or national affiliation. Observing time on NRAO telescopes is available on a competitive basis to qualified scientists after evaluation of research proposals on the basis of scientific merit, the capability of the instruments to do the work, and the availability of the telescope during the requested time. NRAO also provides both formal and informal programs in education and public outreach for teachers, students, the general public, and the media.
	The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense..."
	AUI collaborates with the scientific community and research sponsors to plan, build, and operate cutting-edge facilities. We cultivate excellence, deliver value, enhance education, and engage the public.