Scientists are absolutely floored by an incredible discovery deep in the cosmos, and it’s a finding that could totally change our understanding of physics and the mysterious forces of dark matter. Researchers in Canada have taken a composite image of two galaxies that shows that they are connected by a web of dark matter.

It is very difficult for us to observe dark matter because the only way we can see it is through its effects on gravity. Researchers at the University of Waterloo were able to use a technique called gravitational lensing, typically used for studying light from distant galaxies, to create an image showing just how dark matter impacts seemingly separate galaxies.

Scientists examined 23,000 galaxy pairs using the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope in order to come up with the composite image above.

“For decades, researchers have been predicting the existence of dark-matter filaments between galaxies that act like a web-like superstructure connecting galaxies together,” said Mike Hudson, a professor of astronomy at the University of Waterloo. “This image moves us beyond predictions to something we can see and measure.”

“By using this technique, we’re not only to able to see that these dark matter filaments in the universe exist, we’re able to see the extent to which these filaments connect galaxies together,” said co-author Seth Epps.