The map is one of the most precise measurements of how “matter” is distributed in the universe
Scientists have created a precise map of all matter in the universe.
The new map represents one of the most precise measurements of how all the matter in the universe is distributed across the cosmos.
For the most part, it fits our current picture of the cosmos. But there are some interesting differences that may suggest we are wrong about some important aspects of the universe.
At the beginning of the universe, matter was blown outwards and gradually formed planets, stars and galaxies.
By carefully mapping this matter, scientists today can try to understand the forces that shaped the evolution of the universe.
More than 150 researchers, including many scientists from the University of Chicago and the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, took part in the new analysis, which combines data from two major telescope surveys of the universe, the Dark Energy Survey and the South Pole Telescope.
The research shows that matter is not as “clumpy” as expected based on the best available model of the universe.
According to scientists, this adds to the evidence that there may be something missing in the current standard model of the universe.
By analysing these two data sets, scientists can make inferences about where all matter in the universe ends up.
Compared to previous analyses, the researchers say this study is more precise than previous measurements because it narrows down the possibilities of where matter ends up.
Most of the findings fit perfectly within the currently accepted best theory of the universe.
But there are also signs of a crack that has been suggested in the past.
Eric Baxter, co-author of the study and astrophysicist at the University of Hawaii, said:
[su_quote]Assuming that our standard cosmological model is based on the early universe, the current universe seems to have slightly less fluctuations than we would expect.[/su_quote]
The new readings reveal that the universe is less clustered, meaning that the clumps are concentrated in certain areas rather than spread evenly.
According to the researchers, if the same results continue to come from other studies, this could mean that there is something missing in the current model of the universe.
On the other hand, the findings are not yet at the statistical level that scientists take for granted.
However, since the analysis provides useful information from two different telescope surveys, the results are considered landmark findings.
The findings were published as a set of three papers in the scientific journal Physical Review D.
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