Subscribe now

Space

Universe’s missing matter may be explained by galaxies leaking gas

The gas that surrounds galaxies appears to be more spread out than previously thought – and this could help solve a mystery over missing matter

By Alex Wilkins

23 July 2024

Galaxies like Andromeda have a supermassive black hole at the centre

NASA/JPL-Caltech

Supermassive black holes appear to be more powerful than our theories suggest, blasting the gas that surrounds galaxies much further away than expected. This finding could help explain several cosmological conundrums, including the fact that the universe seems to be missing large amounts of gas.

Most objects that we can measure in the universe, like stars and galaxies, emit light that we can observe from Earth. But measuring cold or spread-out gas, which is crucial for our understanding of how the universe works, is trickier because it often…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox! We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

View introductory offers

No commitment, cancel anytime*

Offer ends 2nd of July 2024.

*Cancel anytime within 14 days of payment to receive a refund on unserved issues.

Inclusive of applicable taxes (VAT)

or

Existing subscribers

Sign in to your account