Dark Matter and the Formation of Structure
This animation ilustrates the role of dark matter in initiating structure formation in the
early Universe. Because dark matter does not couple to photons (otherwise it wouldn't be
dark!), it can clump together before visible matter decouples from the photons. This can
provide seeds of density concentration around which future visible-matter structure can form.
Usage:
Click "Play" to begin.
(Watch closely to see the movement of the dark purple patches.)
Click again when the button turns red.
"Home" returns to the beginning from any point.