A 3-D Map Of The Universe Has Been Released -To Understand Dark Energy & Measure Expansion Rate Of The Universe
- Ananya Sharma
- Apr 17, 2024
- 3 min read
Hello, Everyone!
As per the observations, our Universe is consistently expanding at an accelerating rate and it is believed that the key reason for the universe's expansion is the dark energy. But what is dark energy? It is the prime factor; i.e. the most potent energy having a nature of anti-gravitational effect which pushes the universe away and leads to the expansion of the universe at an accelerating pace.
However, the dark energy has remained an enigma for the scientists and observers. But not anymore. A team of international researchers along with an Indian team headed by Shadab Alam from the Tata Institute of International Research have come up with the most nuanced and intrinsic three-dimensional map of the universe that could unveil the mysteries of this dominant cosmos dark energy.
A report has been published by these researchers detailing the results from the initial year of observations through DESI{Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument}, which is a special component of an instrument having a uniqueness that if integrated into the telescope can garner light emanating from whopping 5,000 galaxies at the same instant,i.e. simultaneously. Amazing isn't it?
Let us understand how DESI{Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument} has played a pivotal role in forging a 3-D map of the universe.
It has helped to curate a 3-D map that has given concise information regarding the distance between the galaxies; by leveraging it upon a MAYALL telescope having a height of 4 meters in Arizona state of the United States.
By incorporating DESI scientists have been enabled to measure light emanating from 6 million galaxies; some of the galaxies are as old as 11 billion years. This 3-D map of the universe is predicted to render hints regarding the cosmos' dark energy, which is anticipated to form 70 percent of the universe; however, there is nothing known by far.
According to Shadab Alam, leveraging the 3-D map the researchers have successfully measured the distances among these galaxies with extreme precision as can be predicted through the map name. Elsewise they have a list of objects in the universe which are in multitudes of tens and billions. The researchers have estimated a majority of these cosmic entities however their farness from Earth is still unknown. Being well-acquainted with the accurate farness between these colossal galaxies from the Earth is extremely vital for measuring the expansion rate of the universe.
Pic Source: Science News
The speculations of the dark energy have been done owing to the observation of the universe's expansion at an accelerating rate. The empty gaps amid these galaxies and the stars are fastly drifting apart which is a mystery as this expansion is an anti-gravitational pull phenomenon, the gravitational pull that keeps objects with each other. There has been no explanation observed by scientists as to why there is an accelerating expansion of the universe. Therefore, they were compelled by this enigma to preassume dark energy leading to such expansion.
Comprehending the behavior and nature of dark energy is one of the challenging scenarios in Science as of now since it can render the intricate details of the universe's emergence and evolution and its future. Also, it can uncover unknown forces and energies playing a vital role behind the universe's current behavior and nature, the intriguing entities entailed in it as well as the mysterious occurrences of events in it. But bizarre is, the first mystery of dark energy is still waiting to be discovered. However, the details offered by DESI are giving us hope and keeping us enthralled.
Thank You.
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Informative and engaging blog post!
Such a fascinating blog post
Your blog was quite informative. I wasn't aware of this research before. It was really helpful to learn and understand from your blog. Thank you for posting such an informative article.