WIMP (Weakly Interacting Massive Particles)

WIMPs, or Weakly Interacting Massive Particles, are hypothetical particles thought to make up dark matter, which constitutes about 27% of the universe’s mass. They are called "weakly interacting" because they rarely interact with normal matter, making them difficult to detect directly. "Massive" indicates they have a relatively large mass compared to particles like electrons. WIMPs are important because their properties could explain how galaxies and large-scale structures form and behave, despite being invisible. Scientists search for WIMPs in experiments deep underground or in space, trying to observe the rare interactions that would confirm their existence.