LEAD, S.D. – Scientists working on the LUX-ZEPLIN experiment deep underground in Lead say they have recorded their most compelling hint yet of dark matter, the mysterious substance believed to make up about 85 percent of the universe’s mass.
Researchers detected a single unusual particle interaction that cannot be easily explained by known sources, but they stress it does not meet the scientific standard required to claim a discovery. The experiment operates nearly a mile underground at the Sanford Underground Research Facility in the former Homestake Mine and involves 250 scientists and engineers from 39 institutions worldwide.
Researchers will continue collecting data to determine whether the signal points to dark matter or proves to be a statistical anomaly.
