Unveiling the Invisible: The Role of Dark Matter in Galaxy Formation and Structure

This research investigates the critical role of dark matter in galaxy formation and stability by analyzing the rotation curves of the Andromeda (M31), Pinwheel (M101), and Cigar (M82) galaxies. Using data from astronomical observations and archival surveys, the study compares predicted orbital velocities based on visible matter with observed velocities derived from Doppler shift measurements. The consistently flat or rising rotation curves at large radii strongly suggest the presence of non-luminous mass—dark matter halos—surrounding each galaxy. Supplementary evidence from gravitational lensing and cosmological simulations further supports the necessity of dark matter in shaping large-scale cosmic structures. The findings reinforce dark matter’s foundational role in astrophysics and highlight future research directions aimed at directly detecting its elusive nature.