In: Physics
What exactly do most astronomers think dark matter is? In other words, what is the leading hypothesis for dark matter right now?
The matter which we observe in the universe is baryonic i.e. formed by electron, proton and neutron. It constitues only 5 % of matter in the universe. Remaining is dark matter and dark energy. Dark matter may be made of baryonic or non-baryonic matter. Dark matter is to hold the normal matter via gravity. Neutrino, balck holes are potential candidate for this.
Most Astronomer think that dark matter is composed of non-baryonic matter. The lead candidate, WIMPS (weakly interacting massive particles). They have ten to a hundred times the mass of a proton. They are chargeless and interact weakly with naormal matter and hence are difficult to detect.