As an expert in the field of cosmology, I am often asked about the composition of the universe. It's a fascinating topic that has been the subject of much research and debate among scientists. The universe is a vast and complex system, and understanding its composition is crucial to our understanding of the cosmos.

The universe is composed of several different types of matter and energy. One of the most intriguing components is dark matter. Dark matter does not emit, absorb, or reflect light, making it invisible to the entire electromagnetic spectrum. It is detected indirectly through its gravitational effects on visible matter, radiation, and the large-scale structure of the universe.

Current scientific consensus suggests that dark matter makes up a significant portion of the universe's total mass-energy content. It is estimated that dark matter accounts for approximately 27% of the universe's mass-energy composition. This figure is derived from various observations and measurements, including the motion of galaxies, the distribution of cosmic microwave background radiation, and the large-scale structure of the universe.

In contrast, dark energy is believed to constitute about 68% of the universe's total mass-energy content. Dark energy is a hypothetical form of energy that permeates all of space and tends to accelerate the expansion of the universe. It was first postulated to explain the observed acceleration of the universe's expansion.

The remaining 5% of the universe is made up of normal matter, which includes everything we can see and touch, such as stars, planets, and galaxies. This normal matter is the building block of the visible universe and is made up of atoms and subatomic particles that interact through the electromagnetic force.

It's important to note that our understanding of dark matter and dark energy is still evolving. These are areas of active research, and scientists continue to explore their properties and effects on the universe. The study of dark matter and dark energy is crucial for developing a comprehensive model of the universe and its evolution.

Understanding the composition of the universe is not just about the numbers; it's about the implications these components have on the structure, evolution, and ultimate fate of the cosmos. The presence of dark matter and dark energy has profound effects on the way galaxies form, the way they move, and the way the universe expands.

In conclusion, while we have made significant strides in understanding the composition of the universe, there is still much to learn. The study of dark matter and dark energy is a vibrant and dynamic field, and as our technology and understanding improve, we can expect to uncover even more about the mysteries of the universe.

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It turns out that roughly 68% of the universe is dark energy. Dark matter makes up about 27%. The rest - everything on Earth, everything ever observed with all of our instruments, all normal matter - adds up to less than 5% of the universe.read more >>