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Dark matter: The matter we can't see - James Gillies

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The Greeks had a simple and elegant formula for the universe: just earth, fire, wind, and water. Turns out there's more to it than that -- a lot more. Visible matter (and that goes beyond the four Greek elements) comprises only 4% of the universe. CERN scientist James Gillies tells us what accounts for the remaining 96% (dark matter and dark energy) and how we might go about detecting it.

Which was not one of the four elements the ancient Greeks believed comprised the world?

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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

  • Animator Godfrey Hibbert
  • Educator James Gillies
  • Director Jeremiah Dickey
  • Narrator James Gillies

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