Dark matter 'Lampshades' could unravel cosmic mystery
Scientists have discovered that clumps of dark matter, known as MACHOs, can act like cosmic "lampshades," dimming the light from distant stars as they drift by.
Since dark matter makes up most of the universe but is still a big mystery, this new clue could help us finally figure out what it's made of.
How to find more MACHOs
MACHOs are made of regular matter that barely interacts with light.
Instead of making stars look brighter, these clumps actually make them appear dimmer—a bit like someone turning down a cosmic dimmer switch.
Researchers plan to use existing sky surveys to spot these subtle changes in starlight and hunt for more MACHOs.
Finding more machos is not easy
Finding MACHOs through their "lampshade" effect could bring scientists closer to solving the puzzle of dark matter.
It's not easy—other space stuff can also cause stars to dim—but this approach gives researchers a fresh way to sift through old data and maybe unlock one of space's biggest secrets.