Final answer:
The dark space between galaxies is attributed to dark matter, which does not emit light but exhibits gravitational effects on galaxies and clusters. Dark matter significantly outweighs luminous matter in the universe and is key to understanding the formation and evolution of cosmic structures.
Step-by-step explanation:
Dark Matter and the Dark Space Between Galaxies
The dark space observed between galaxies is largely attributed to dark matter, a substance that does not emit light and is invisible through any current telescopic technology. Its existence is inferred from gravitational effects rather than direct observation. Studies have shown that dark matter exerts a gravitational force that plays a crucial part in the formation and evolution of galaxies. Galactic clusters and the rotational speed of galaxies imply the presence of much more mass than what we see as luminous matter. The observable Universe, on a large scale, is made up of voids and filaments, with galaxies clustered along these filaments and vast empty spaces in between.
Observations suggest that the amount of dark matter inside and between galaxies far exceeds the mass of visible matter. It affects the orbits of star clusters, the movement of galaxies in clusters, and has a significant gravitational influence on cosmic structures. In clusters of galaxies, the dark matter's gravity is essential to keep the cluster intact, indicating its ubiquitous nature in the cosmos.
Sources like interstellar dust can absorb light and create dark patches, leading to the mistaken interpretation of empty spaces. However, through methods such as gravitational lensing and galaxy rotation curves, we can measure the gravitational influence of dark matter and acknowledge its dominance between the galaxies. Despite the lack of direct evidence, the study of dark matter is fundamental in understanding the large-scale structure of the universe.1