In astrophysics, weakly interacting massive particles or WIMPs, are hypothetical particles serving as one possible solution to the dark matter problem. These particles interact through the weak force and gravity, and possibly through other interactions no stronger than the weak force. Because they do not interact with electromagnetism they cannot be seen directly, and because they do not interact with the strong nuclear force they do not react strongly with atomic nuclei.
This combination of properties gives WIMPs many of the properties of neutrinos, except for being far more massive and therefore slower.
Read more about Weakly Interacting Massive Particles: Theoretical Arguments, Experimental Detection
Famous quotes containing the words weakly, massive and/or particles:
“If a weakly mortal is to do anything in the world besides eat the bread thereof, there must be a determined subordination of the whole nature to the one aimno trifling with time, which is passing, with strength which is only too limited.”
—Beatrice Potter Webb (18581943)
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—Philip Levine (b. 1928)
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—Henry David Thoreau (18171862)