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On cosmological scales, dark matter so dominates the gravitational behavior of the Universe that, to first approximation, researchers can ignore the gravitational pull of visible matter when simulating the large-scale distribution of galaxies. Still, determining subtle yet important properties of the Universe, such as variations in the amount of dark energy, requires knowing the exact locations of the subatomic particles (baryons) that make up the Universe’s visible matter, as well as what these particles are doing and how they are interacting with dark matter. Now Tassia Ferreira of the University of Oxford, UK, and her collaborators have identified a statistical correlation between two observable features of the Universe that has the potential to reveal the extent of astronomers’ understanding of how baryons shape the large-scale structure of the cosmos [1].

The uncovered correlation is between variations across the sky of the amount of “cosmic shear” and the intensity of the diffuse background of cosmic x rays. Cosmic shear is the apparent warping of the shapes and positions of distant galaxies by the gravitational pulls of intervening clusters of galaxies and other large concentrations of matter. The x-ray background emanates mostly from hot, thin plasma held in the gravitational potentials of those same intervening structures.

Ferreira and her collaborators found that the cosmic shear and the x-ray background are strongly correlated. This correlation is unsurprising given that both features are manifestations of the same dark-matter structures. But the researchers also found that the baryons’ locations influenced how well various physical models reproduced the correlation. One important factor is the amount of plasma (which is made of baryons) that supermassive black holes expel into intergalactic space.

Various large-scale astrophysical research projects are set to take place over the next decade, several of which are so-called cosmic microwave background (CMB) experiments. These are large-scale scientific efforts aimed at detecting and studying CMB radiation, which is essentially thermal radiation originating from the early universe.

Evidence for potential dark matter objects has been detected using pulsars, which are neutron stars emitting regular beams of radio waves.

These beams were analyzed by Professor John LoSecco, revealing variations and delays that indicate the presence of unseen mass, likely dark matter. LoSecco utilized data from the PPTA2 survey, involving precise measurements from several radio telescopes. The study found around a dozen instances where dark matter likely influenced pulsar signals. This research not only helps in understanding dark matter but also improves pulsar timing data for other astronomical studies.

Detecting Dark Matter With Pulsars

Scientists cannot observe dark matter directly, so to “see” it, they look for signals that it has interacted with other matter by creating a visible photon. However, signals from dark matter are incredibly weak. If scientists can make a particle detector more receptive to these signals, they can increase the likelihood of discovery and decrease the time to get there. One way to do this is to stimulate the emission of photons.

There’s more than one way for a star to die. Some go with a whimper, and some go with a very, very big bang.

By Phil Plait

Continue reading “How Do Stars Really Die?” »

Explore the mind-bending realms of the cosmos in our latest video! 🌌 From the Big Bang’s inception to the rapid expansion driven by dark energy, we’ll delve into how our universe grows endlessly. Discover the possibility of multiple universes, each with unique physical laws, and the role of black holes in potentially creating new universes. We’ll also uncover the cosmic microwave background’s secrets, revealing clues about early universe collisions. Embark on a journey through space and time, contemplating the infinite and the mysteries that stretch the boundaries of human understanding.

#CosmicMysteries #MultiverseTheory #BigBang #DarkEnergy #BlackHoles.

Continue reading “Unlocking the Secrets of the Universe: 5 Mind-Blowing Theories You Need to Know” »

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Physicists say that they might have solved a long standing problem: How do supermassive black holes manage to merge to larger ones. Their idea: dark matter gets the job done. Or does it? I’ve had a look.

Continue reading “Dark Matter Solves Longstanding Black Hole Problem, Astrophysicists Say” »

New theoretical research finds that it’s impossible to form a black hole with the energy of light particles alone, poking a hole in Einstein’s theory of general relativity.

When two black holes collide, space and time shake and energy spreads out like ripples in a pond. These gravitational waves, predicted by Einstein in 1916, were observed for the first time by the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) telescope in September 2015.