Mass to Light Ratio

The mass-to-light ratio compares the amount of mass in an object, like a galaxy, to the amount of light it emits. It helps scientists understand how much unseen matter, such as dark matter, may be present. A high ratio means there's more mass than visible light suggests, indicating hidden components like dark matter or dense regions. Conversely, a low ratio indicates the observed light accounts for most of the mass. This measurement is crucial in studying the composition and structure of cosmic objects, revealing insights into how they form and evolve over time.