Dark Matter: How GPS Data is Helping to Unlock the Universe’s Secrets

Data is essential to the way we live our lives here on Earth. But it’s also proven to be very helpful in exploring the mysteries of the universe beyond our tiny planet. Because there are so many phenomena observed in space that are difficult to measure, many mysteries remain about how the universe functions, changes, and evolves. Dark matter has been of particular interest to researchers, but it has been notoriously difficult to study—because all that has been detected of the elusive matter is its gravitational pull. New research has revealed that there may be a way to find this matter, however, using a common technology that we use every day: GPS satellites and data. 

What is Dark Matter?

Dark matter is one of the most elusive and mysterious substances that exists. It’s the stuff that is thought to be responsible for the formation of galaxies, but very little is known about its nature, aside from the hypothesis that it makes up 85% of the galaxy’s matter, and that its gravity is thought to keep galaxies together. Scientists have been hunting for answers about dark matter for years, with few solid answers. Even extra-sensitive sensors haven’t been able to detect dark matter particles, making researchers reconsider what might make up dark matter. 

An Inexpensive Solution

So how can GPS help locate and study dark matter? Researchers were surprised to find a few years ago that this inexpensive solution could help them find what they have been looking for. New theories revolve around dark matter as not a particle, but something else—something that causes topographical defects or energy cracks in the universe. The hope is that super sensitive atomic clocks and GPS satellites can detect dark matter passing through, thanks to the way the matter desynchronizes the clocks. Because the technology already exists, the only costs that would be incurred in this program would be the time of students and researchers to track the matter. 

By analyzing data of GPS satellites and unexpected anomalies, some researchers devised a theory about why Earth seems to be heavier than it should be: it may have a “halo” of dark matter surrounding it. Others disagree with this analysis (after all, peacekeeping doesn’t help us get to the bottom of scientific mysteries!), but it’s clear that GPS satellites are at least bringing us closer to solving the mysteries of our universe. The atomic clocks they all carry onboard are thought to be the most sophisticated dark matter detectors we have—without even building any special equipment or technology, just collecting data we already have. 

Data Provides the Answers

Whether it’s determining the best way to respond to a natural disaster, or unlocking the secrets of dark matter, data provides the answers we need to navigate life. The possibilities are endless for how to use data and GPS, and the scientists exploring the potential of GPS to shed some light on dark matter are just the beginning. Space may be the final frontier, but with data and technology on our side, we’re unlocking the universe’s secrets one step at a time.