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TED-Ed

Dark matter: How does it explain a star's speed? - Don Lincoln

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2,367 Questions Answered

TEDEd Animation

Let’s Begin…

All the stars in a spiral galaxy rotate around a center -- but to astronomers, the speed that each star travels wasn't making sense. Why didn't stars slow down toward the edges as expected? Don Lincoln explains how a mysterious force called dark matter is (possibly) the answer -- and why the search for an answer matters.

Watch the video and finish the Think section to complete the lesson.


About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

Educator
Don Lincoln
Director
Gatze Zonneveld
Narrator
Don Lincoln

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