> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://messier.gitbook.io/catalogue-de-messier/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://messier.gitbook.io/catalogue-de-messier/messier-dao/dark-matter.md).

# Dark Matter

Pōwehi members may voluntarily relinquish their governance role through Virgo’s interface, becoming classified as Dark Matter. Virgo also includes a built-in inactivity safeguard based on proposal participation rather than a fixed period of time.

For every eligible proposal, a Pōwehi is considered active if they create the proposal, approve it as a multi-sig, or acknowledge that they have reviewed it before Halo voting ends. The acknowledgment does not approve, reject, or vote on the proposal; it only records governance participation.

If a Pōwehi fails to participate in three consecutive eligible proposals, they are automatically rendered Dark Matter. The highest-ranked Halo staker is then promoted to the lowest Pōwehi position, ensuring Virgo’s continuous and autonomous operation.

Dark Matter retains all earned rewards but cannot create proposals, provide Pōwehi multi-sig approval, or acknowledge proposals as an active Pōwehi.

A Dark Matter member may request reinstatement through Virgo’s interface. The request enters a queue for Pōwehi multi-sig validation. When a Pōwehi position becomes available, the highest-priority approved Dark Matter member may be reinstated, provided they still meet the required staking rank. The displaced or inactive member is moved to the Halo, maintaining the integrity and activity of Virgo’s governance layer.