Dark Matter

Abstract

In this paper, we introduce the astrophysical problem of dark matter (DM) mainly focusing on the observational/experimental point of view. Even though DM cannot be observed directly, there are plenty of indirect observations supporting that there is more mass than we can see. This is the case for the observed properties of galaxies, galaxy clusters and the large-scale structure of the universe. We mention the implications of DM in astrophysics and high-energy physics. We then describe the DM candidates. The first group is the ordinary DM, also known as baryonic DM, in the form of astrophysical objects. The second group is non-ordinary DM or non-baryonic DM. This group encompasses all the solutions for the problem that are not in the Standard Model (SM) of particle physics. We end up by reviewing some current experiments that could allow us to discover what kind of DM we are facing.