Dark Matter - What We Know and What We Don't

Explore the current understanding and remaining mysteries surrounding dark matter in this 44-minute conference talk from the International Centre for Theoretical Sciences. Delve into the established knowledge about this elusive component of the universe that makes up approximately 85% of all matter, while examining the significant gaps that still exist in our comprehension. Learn about the observational evidence that confirms dark matter's existence, including gravitational effects on visible matter, galaxy rotation curves, and cosmic microwave background radiation patterns. Discover the various theoretical candidates proposed to explain dark matter's nature, from weakly interacting massive particles (WIMPs) to axions and sterile neutrinos. Examine the sophisticated detection methods currently employed in underground laboratories and space-based experiments, along with their limitations and challenges. Understand how dark matter fits into the broader framework of cosmology and particle physics, and why its identification remains one of the most pressing questions in modern astrophysics. Gain insight into the ongoing research efforts and future experimental approaches that may finally reveal the true nature of this cosmic enigma, presented as part of a discussion meeting on the future of gravitational-wave astronomy.