What is the mystery of dark matter?

Detective Pux was always fascinated by the mystery of dark matter. As a seasoned investigator, he had spent years studying the various theories and hypotheses about this elusive substance that makes up a significant portion of the universe.

One theory that particularly piqued his interest was the idea that dark matter could be made up of massive compact halo objects, or MACHOs. These could be things like black holes, brown dwarfs, or even planets that are too small to detect directly. The idea was that these objects could be responsible for the gravitational effects that we observe, but that we can't see them because they don't emit any light.

To test this theory, Pux set out on an ambitious project to search for MACHOs using a technique called gravitational microlensing. The idea was to look for the effects of these objects on the light of distant stars. If a MACHO were to pass in front of a star, its gravity would bend the star's light and create a magnified image. By monitoring the brightness of stars over time, Pux hoped to detect these microlensing events and learn more about the nature of dark matter.

To carry out his search, Pux built a network of robotic telescopes that he placed in strategic locations around the world. He also enlisted the help of amateur astronomers, who were eager to contribute to his research. Together, they monitored the skies night after night, looking for the telltale signs of microlensing.

It was a long and difficult journey, but Pux's persistence paid off. After several years of monitoring, he finally detected several microlensing events that were caused by MACHOs. This was the first direct evidence that these objects existed, and it was a major breakthrough in our understanding of dark matter.

Pux's discovery made headlines around the world, and he was hailed as a hero in the scientific community. But for him, the true reward was the satisfaction of solving one of the greatest mysteries of our time. He knew that there was still much to learn about dark matter, but he was proud to have made a significant contribution to our understanding of this mysterious and fascinating substance.