WIMP (Weakly Interacting Massive Particle)

A WIMP, or Weakly Interacting Massive Particle, is a theoretical type of particle thought to make up dark matter—an invisible substance that exerts gravitational influence in the universe. WIMPs are massive compared to particles like electrons but interact very weakly with normal matter, meaning they rarely collide or are detected directly. They could have formed in the early universe and remain abundant today, shaping galaxy formation. Detecting WIMPs involves highly sensitive experiments underground or in space, aiming to observe their rare interactions, which would help explain the unseen mass that influences cosmic structures.