What constitutes high accuracy for theories attempting to explain complex phenomena like dark matter or dark energy?

Successfully predicting multiple, independent observations simultaneously (e.g., lensing, CMB, rotation curves)

For concepts like dark matter or dark energy, where direct observation of the component itself is currently impossible, verification hinges on internal consistency and predictive power across multiple independent domains. A theory gains exceptional authority and is considered highly accurate if it successfully predicts and explains several distinct sets of observational data simultaneously. Examples of this consistency include accurately modeling galaxy rotation curves, explaining observations of gravitational lensing caused by massive objects, and matching features found in the cosmic microwave background radiation. If a model only explains one data set, it remains tentative; success across several unrelated observations confirms its robustness.