Dark matter is a type of matter that does not emit or interact with electromagnetic radiation, making it invisible to telescopes. Its existence is inferred through its gravitational effects on visible matter.
Dark matter forms a vast network of invisible threads that connect galaxy clusters. This network is known as the cosmic web and provides the scaffolding for the large-scale structure of the universe.
The gravitational lensing effect, where the light from distant galaxies is distorted by the gravitational pull of dark matter, is one of the strong pieces of evidence for the presence of dark matter connecting galaxy clusters. Additionally, computer simulations of the universe's evolution also support this idea.
Dark matter is the dominant form of matter in galaxy clusters, making up about 85% of their mass. Its gravitational pull helps to hold galaxy clusters together and influences the distribution of visible matter within them. Without dark matter, galaxy clusters would not have formed and evolved in the same way.
While we cannot directly detect dark matter, scientists are continually searching for ways to indirectly study it. This includes using advanced telescopes and detectors to observe its gravitational effects, as well as conducting experiments in underground laboratories to try and detect particles of dark matter.