This paper presents a direct empirical proof of the existence of dark matter through weak gravitational lensing observations of the merging cluster 1E0657–558. The unique spatial segregation of the stellar component and X-ray emitting plasma during the cluster merger allows for a direct detection of dark matter. By creating gravitational lensing maps using both ground-based and HST/ACS images, the study finds that the gravitational potential does not align with the plasma distribution but rather aligns with the galaxies. An 8σ significance spatial offset between the center of the total mass and the center of the baryonic mass peaks cannot be explained by altering the gravitational force law, confirming the presence of dark matter. The paper discusses the methodology, data analysis, and potential alternative explanations, concluding that the observed displacement between baryons and the gravitational potential provides strong evidence for the existence of dark matter.This paper presents a direct empirical proof of the existence of dark matter through weak gravitational lensing observations of the merging cluster 1E0657–558. The unique spatial segregation of the stellar component and X-ray emitting plasma during the cluster merger allows for a direct detection of dark matter. By creating gravitational lensing maps using both ground-based and HST/ACS images, the study finds that the gravitational potential does not align with the plasma distribution but rather aligns with the galaxies. An 8σ significance spatial offset between the center of the total mass and the center of the baryonic mass peaks cannot be explained by altering the gravitational force law, confirming the presence of dark matter. The paper discusses the methodology, data analysis, and potential alternative explanations, concluding that the observed displacement between baryons and the gravitational potential provides strong evidence for the existence of dark matter.