The matter in the universe | Earth, Solar System and Universe

The matter in the universe

Matter is everything that has mass. All matter consists of particles. They are as tiny pieces that come together to form what we see. Although they also form another type of matter that we cannot see, the dark matter. In fact, most of the material that makes up the universe is dark matter.
Everything that has mass, however small that is, emits gravity. Even ourselves. In the Cosmos, matter is attracted by the gravity. It brings together and shape from small molecules to planets, stars, and the great Galactic clusters. Gravity holds matter together. Even so, most of the matter not concentrate in galaxies, but in the immense intergalactic space.

The visible matter

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The part of the matter that we can see is only 5% of the composition of the universe. The visible matter is called ordinary matter or baryonic matter.
Ordinary matter consists of atoms. It can be in four States: solid, liquid, plasma and gasesoso. It goes from a State to another to gain or lose heat. Most of the visible matter in the universe is in the plasma state, since it is forming stars.

Dark matter

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In the universe there is another matter, which we cannot see. It is invisible or dark matter. The fourth part of the known universe is dark matter, although some sources estimate that it is up to 80%. This means that much more quantity of dark matter that visible matter.
Dark matter does not emit or reflect any light. Not release any radiation, neither visible nor invisible. For this reason we cannot see it. But we know that it exists because it emits Yes gravity, and our technology detects it. Its gravity is so great that it moves the great Galactic clusters.
The composition of dark matter remains a mystery. Although it is believed that it could be made up of neutrinos and other particles still unknown. 

Translation for educational purposes authorized by: Astronomía: Tierra, Sistema Solar y Universo