Chinese astronomers from Peking University have discovered that dark matter played a crucial role in the formation of ancient galaxies and supermassive black holes. Their study was published in the scientific journal The Astrophysical Journal.

What Is the Connection Between Dark Matter and Black Holes?

The researchers analyzed two quasar galaxies located 13 billion light-years from Earth using data from the ALMA telescope. They found that dark matter made up 60% of their total mass.

This conclusion is supported by the flat rotation curves—the speed at which gas moves at the outer edges of galaxies, which remains high. This effect is observed when a galaxy is surrounded by a dark matter halo.

Researchers also suggest that dark matter may have contributed to the growth of supermassive black holes located at the centers of these galaxies. However, the exact mechanism behind this process remains a mystery.

What Does This Mean for Science?

The findings help us better understand the evolution of the universe. They confirm that dark matter played a significant role in the formation of the first galaxies and may have influenced their structure.

Scientists plan to continue studying this phenomenon to uncover the connection between dark matter and supermassive black holes, as well as to understand how galaxies formed in the early universe.