A Physicist Wants to Turn Jupiter’s Largest Moon Into a Gigantic Dark Matter Detector

A physicist has proposed using Ganymede, Jupiter's largest moon, as a giant dark matter detector. The idea is to leverage Ganymede's unique properties, such as its magnetic field and subsurface ocean, to detect the elusive dark matter particles. The proposal suggests placing sensitive instruments on Ganymede's surface to monitor the interactions between dark matter and the moon's environment. The researchers believe that the moon's magnetic field and subsurface ocean could create an ideal environment for observing the effects of dark matter, which makes up a significant portion of the universe's mass but remains largely unknown. This innovative approach could provide valuable insights into the nature of dark matter, a fundamental component of the cosmos that has long eluded direct detection. The study highlights the potential of exploring celestial bodies beyond Earth to advance our understanding of the universe and its hidden mysteries.