Scientists have created the largest 3D map of the Universe to date, which contains more than 6 million galaxies. She confirmed the hypothesis that the expansion of the Universe is accelerating, writes The Guardian.
The map is based on data collected by the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (Desi) in Arizona, and contains three times more galaxies than the previous such map. Moreover, the distances to many of them were measured for the first time.
Researchers say that with this map, they were able to measure with unprecedented precision how quickly the universe expanded at different times in the past. And the results confirm that the expansion of the Universe is accelerating.
But the findings also raise questions about the possibility that dark energy – the mysterious repulsive force that drives the expansion of the universe – was not constant throughout time, as previously thought.
Professor Carlos Frank from Durham University and co-author of the study said that if dark energy were truly constant over time, the future of the universe would be simple: it would expand further and further forever. But if the new data found on the map is confirmed, it will call into question the old concept.
“Now all that has gone, and we essentially have to start from scratch, and that means reconsidering our understanding of basic physics, our understanding of the Big Bang itself, and our understanding of the long-term prognosis for the Universe,” he said.
Other news on space exploration
As UNIAN wrote, Washington instructed NASA to create a unified time standard on the Moon and other celestial bodies. The US is seeking to establish international norms in space amid a growing race to the moon between countries and private companies.
We also told you that stars can absorb planets, and this happens more often than you think. A new study shows that even stable, middle-aged stars like our Sun are gobbling up entire planets.
