How Vera Rubin Found the First Direct Evidence for Dark Matter

In the 1970s, astronomers faced the galactic rotation problem, where stars on the outskirts of galaxies moved faster than expected. Vera Rubin's research provided the first direct evidence of dark matter, a concept previously suggested by astronomers like Horace Babcock, Jan Oort, and Fritz Zwicky. Rubin's work showed that this phenomenon was widespread, not isolated. Her findings laid the foundation for the study of dark matter, which is now believed to make up 84% of the universe's matter. Rubin's legacy continues to influence astronomical research today.

What was the main issue with the galactic rotation problem that astronomers faced in the 1970s?

• Galaxies were rotating in reverse.

• Galaxies were not rotating at all.

• Galaxies were rotating too quickly.

• Galaxies were rotating too slowly.

What inspired Vera Rubin to pursue a career in astronomy?

• Her father's profession as an astronomer.

• Her fascination with the movement of stars.

• Her interest in planetary science.

• Her love for science fiction movies.

What was the unexpected finding by Rubin and Ford regarding the rotation of stars in galaxies?

• Stars on the edges of galaxies were moving as fast as those near the center.

• Stars on the edges of galaxies were moving slower than expected.

• Stars at the center of galaxies were moving slower than expected.

• Stars at the center of galaxies were not moving at all.

Which astronomer was NOT mentioned as having observed unusual galactic motions before Rubin and Ford?

• Jan Oort

• Edwin Hubble

• Horace Babcock

• Fritz Zwicky

What did Rubin's research ultimately suggest about the composition of galaxies?

• Galaxies are composed entirely of dark matter.

• Galaxies have no dark matter.

• Galaxies are mostly composed of visible matter.

• Galaxies contain a significant amount of undetectable matter.

What percentage of the universe's matter is currently believed to be dark matter?

• 50%

• 84%

• 100%

• 95%

What is the current status of research on dark matter?

• Dark matter has been fully understood.

• Dark matter is no longer a topic of interest.

• Dark matter remains a mystery with ongoing research.

• Dark matter has been disproven.