What is most of the universe made of
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
What is Most of the Universe Made Of?
Dark Energy: The Dominant Component
Dark energy constitutes approximately 70-75% of the universe's total content. This mysterious force is responsible for the accelerated expansion of the universe, a phenomenon first observed through distant type Ia supernovae 23. Dark energy is often associated with the cosmological constant, a concept introduced by Einstein, and is interpreted as vacuum energy that behaves like a fluid with negative pressure . Despite its significant presence, the exact nature of dark energy remains one of the most elusive questions in modern physics .
Dark Matter: The Invisible Mass
Dark matter makes up about 20-25% of the universe. Unlike dark energy, dark matter exerts gravitational forces but does not emit, absorb, or reflect light, making it invisible to current telescopic technologies 23. The existence of dark matter was first suggested by Fritz Zwicky in 1933 when he observed that the mass of galaxies in the Coma cluster was much greater than the mass of visible matter . This "missing mass" problem was later confirmed by the flat rotation curves of spiral galaxies, indicating the presence of an extended halo of dark matter .
Baryonic Matter: The Visible Universe
Baryonic matter, which includes all the atoms and molecules that make up stars, planets, and living organisms, accounts for only about 5% of the universe 23. This is the matter that is most familiar to us and is the primary focus of traditional physics and astronomy. Despite its small proportion, baryonic matter plays a crucial role in the structure and dynamics of the universe.
The Quest for Understanding
The current understanding of the universe's composition is based on a combination of observational data and theoretical models. Measurements of the cosmic microwave background, galaxy distributions, and supernovae have all contributed to the consensus that dark energy and dark matter dominate the universe 35. However, the exact properties and interactions of these components are still subjects of intense research and debate.
Conclusion
In summary, the universe is predominantly made up of dark energy (70-75%) and dark matter (20-25%), with baryonic matter constituting a mere 5% 23. While significant progress has been made in identifying these components, their true nature remains one of the biggest mysteries in cosmology. Understanding these dark components is crucial for a complete picture of the universe and its evolution.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic