A research collaboration between a Colgate University professor and student is shedding light on a groundbreaking theory that could transform our understanding of dark matter’s origins.

Assistant Professor of Physics and Astronomy Cosmin Ilie and Richard Casey ’24 have delved into a bold idea proposed by University of Texas at Austin scientists Katherine Freese and Martin Winkler. This theory suggests that dark matter may have emerged from a separate event, dubbed the “Dark Big Bang,” which occurred shortly after the universe’s formation.