2023-09-15 07:18:45
Recent data suggests that the universe is slowing down more and more. The evolution of the structure of the Universe on a large scale therefore takes place at a considerably slower pace. And this compared to what scientists anticipated. Which might call into question our current cosmological models.
The evolution of the Universe is mainly influenced by two opposing forces: dark energy and gravity. The first force pushes the entire universe to expand. Gravity, for its part, aims to bring matter together. According to the predominant model, known as the ACDM model, this should result in a progressive increase in the density of the cosmic network of galaxies. On the other hand, cosmic voids will expand.
The universe slows down, cosmic growth too
In a study published in the journal Physical Review Letters, Nhat-Minh Nguyen, researcher at the University of Michigan, in collaboration with his colleagues, conducted a comparison between the structure of the Universe in its early days and its current state. The study mainly has its origins in galactic surveys. They observed a slowdown in the growth of the Universe which was unexpected.
Nguyen explains: “Data collected by instruments observing the Universe at different times and scales all converge towards the same conclusion. Namely a development of the Universe significantly slower than what the standard model provides. »
According to the team of researchers, the disparity observed, reaching 3.7 sigmas, compared to the ACDM model, suggests that there is a probability ofa one in 4,600 chance of such data occurring by pure statistical chance. And this if the standard model accurately described the cosmos.
The solution adopted seems insufficient once morest the slowdown of the universe
At present, the origin of this apparent slowdown still remains a mystery. The same goes for how the ACDM model should be adapted to account for it. However, it seems that simply adding dark energy is not a sufficient solution.
Still according to Nguyen, a potential revision might involve the introduction of new particles or interactions. That is to say new forces, potentially between dark matter particles.
Therefore, if dark matter exhibits different interactions or decay modes than initially thought, it might provide a plausible explanation for the measurements that Nguyen and his team had observed. However, they will need new observations to confirm this hypothesis regarding the slowdown of the universe which is considered a quantum computer.
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