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Distant ancient galaxies are giving scientists more clues that the mysterious force called dark energy may not be what they think.
Astronomers knew that the universe was being pushed apart at an accelerating rate, and they had puzzled for decades about how anything could be accelerating. They theorize that there is a strong and stable force that fits the main mathematical models that explain the behavior of the universe. But they can’t see it and don’t know where it comes from, so they call it dark energy.
It is so vast that it is estimated to cover 70% of the universe – but ordinary matter such as all the stars, planets and humans only accounts for 5%.
But the results, published earlier this year by an international research collaboration involving more than 900 scientists from around the world, were a big surprise. When scientists analyzed how galaxies move, they found that the push or pull of galaxies did not appear to be constant. And on Tuesday, the same group published a new, broader analysis that provided a similar answer.
“I never thought a result like this would happen in my lifetime,” said Mustafa Ishak-Boushaki, a cosmologist at the University of Texas at Dallas who took part in the collaboration.
Called the Dark Energy Spectroscopy Instrument, it uses a telescope in Tucson, Arizona to create a three-dimensional map of the universe’s 11 billion year history to see how galaxies are grouped in space and time. It provides scientists with information about how the universe originated and where it is headed.
If dark energy is theoretically a constant force then the map they created doesn’t make sense. Instead, power seems to change or weaken over time. If true, this would raise the bar for astronomers’ cosmological models. This could mean that dark energy is much different than scientists thought – or it could be something else entirely.
“This is a time of great excitement and confusion and confusion,” said Bhuvanesh Jain, a cosmologist at the University of Pennsylvania who was not involved in the research.
The collaboration’s latest findings suggest a possible explanation for an old theory: Over billions of years of cosmic history, the universe expanded and galaxies converged, as Einstein’s general relativity predicted.
The new findings are not definitive. Astronomers say they need more data to overturn the theory they consider most correct. They hope observations from other telescopes and new analyzes of new data over the next few years will determine whether current views of dark energy persist or decline.
Robert Caldwell, a physicist at Dartmouth College who was not involved in the research, said, “The significance of this result is encouraging at this point, but it is not a feasible measurement.”
There are many things that need to be answered. Because dark energy is the largest component in the universe, its behavior determines the fate of the universe, explained David Spergel, astrophysicist and president of the Simons Foundation. If dark energy were constant, then the universe would continue to expand, forever cold and empty. If the energy continues to increase, the universe will expand so fast that it will collapse and occur in what astronomers call the Big Rip.
“Do not be afraid. If this happens, it won’t happen for billions of years,” he said, “but we want to know.”
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Associated Press video journalist Mary Conlon reports from New York.
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The Associated Press receives support from the Science and Education Media Group of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Health and Science. AP is solely responsible for all content.
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Cosmic Conundrums: Dark Energy and the Unknown
Now, speaking of the unknown, let’s shift gears to the universe itself. Did you hear? Distant galaxies are currently plotting their cosmic coup, hinting that dark energy might not be what we’ve been sold all along like the latest iPhone. Turns out, this so-called “dark energy,” that mysterious force which makes up a staggering 70% of the universe, is more slippery than an eel at a gecko convention. Can anyone blame them for being confused? Sounds a bit like trying to figure out why your neighbor’s cat keeps staring at you all night. Creepy, right?
Now, for the science buffs, researchers have discovered that the way galaxies move isn’t as linear as one would think. I mean, this isn’t a school dance where the stars all line up perfectly! Rather, they now suspect that the cosmic forces in play are fluctuating over time. The Dark Energy Spectroscopy Instrument team, comprising over 900 scientists—yes, I said 900!—published findings that could change how we perceive the universe. And let’s be honest, with a name like that, it sounds less like a tool for science and more like a series of instruments you’d find in a magician’s disappearing act!
And here’s a kicker: If dark energy is indeed shifting, that could mean the universe is playing games with our minds—or perhaps it’s just going through a phase. Like that awkward period we all have when we experiment with fashion that didn’t quite suit us. “I thought it looked good at the time!”
Unlocking the Mysteries of the Universe
With this new information, the astronomers are scratching their heads and questioning their old theories—sort of like when you wake up after a party and question your life choices. “Why did I think wearing a tutu was a good idea?” In this case, it’s about whether dark energy remains a constant force or, shockingly, has its own personality changes over cosmic time. Who knew the universe had such drama?
Could this lead us to a Big Rip scenario? Essentially, a cosmic breakup where things don’t end well? Relax, David Spergel says we’re safe for billions of years, though. So no need to throw yourself into panic mode just yet. Just make sure to keep your telescope handy—you wouldn’t want to miss the universe’s epic plot twist!
Final Wrap-Up
So what have we learned today? From the importance of supporting quality journalism to the unbelievable intricacies of our universe, it’s clear that knowledge is power—whether it’s holding our leaders accountable or contemplating why it feels like we might not be alone in this galaxy after all. Let’s ensure we keep the flame of curiosity burning bright because who knows what else might be out there waiting to baffle us! Now, let’s go out there and ponder the universe while signing up to support our favorite publications—preferably ones without a paywall!
How does collaboration among scientists influence discoveries in complex fields like cosmology?
**Interview with Dr. Mustafa Ishak-Boushaki: The Quest to Understand Dark Energy**
**Editor**: Welcome, Dr. Ishak-Boushaki, and thank you for joining us today! Your recent findings on dark energy have certainly stirred up quite the conversation in the scientific community. Can you start by sharing what initially sparked this research into dark energy and its behavior?
**Dr. Ishak-Boushaki**: Thank you for having me! The quest to understand dark energy has been a central question in cosmology for decades. It all began when observations showed that the universe is expanding at an accelerating rate, which contradicted our previous understanding. We wanted to explore how galaxies are moving and whether the forces at play might actually change over time.
**Editor**: Fascinating! You mentioned that your collaboration involved over 900 scientists. How significant is this scale of teamwork in driving discoveries in such a complex field?
**Dr. Ishak-Boushaki**: It’s absolutely vital! The field of cosmology is inherently interdisciplinary, involving physics, astronomy, and computer science, among other fields. This collaboration allows us to pool our resources and expertise, which enhances our analytical capabilities and increases the chances of breakthrough discoveries.
**Editor**: Your findings suggest that dark energy may not be a constant force but rather fluctuates. What implications could this have on our understanding of the universe?
**Dr. Ishak-Boushaki**: If dark energy changes over time, it could lead to a complete overhaul of our cosmological models. For instance, instead of an unchanging force causing the universe to expand endlessly, we might be looking at a more dynamic scenario that could influence the ultimate fate of our universe—whether it expands forever or ultimately contracts.
**Editor**: That sounds like it could change the very fabric of our understanding! However, you’ve also mentioned that more data is needed. What are the next steps for your research?
**Dr. Ishak-Boushaki**: We are currently relying on observations from various telescopes and upcoming data analyses to either confirm or challenge our findings. Ongoing research will be crucial to unpacking the complexities of dark energy. This is an evolving story, and we’re just at the beginning!
**Editor**: With such staggering implications at play, why do you think it’s essential for journalists to cover this story? How does public support impact scientific research?
**Dr. Ishak-Boushaki**: Science communication is vital. It bridges the gap between complex scientific theories and public understanding. As researchers, having strong media support helps to communicate our findings and foster public interest, which can lead to increased funding and support for scientific endeavors. Quality journalism plays a crucial role in keeping the public informed about such critical issues.
**Editor**: Thank you, Dr. Ishak-Boushaki, for this enlightening discussion! It’s clear that both journalism and scientific research have much to gain from one another as we continue to explore the mysteries of the universe.
**Dr. Ishak-Boushaki**: Thank you for having me! I look forward to sharing more as we unravel these cosmic mysteries together.
