Cosmology is the scientific study of the large-scale properties of the universe as a whole. It aims to understand the origin, evolution, structure, and eventual fate of the universe. By examining cosmic phenomena such as the Big Bang, cosmic microwave background radiation, dark matter, and dark energy, cosmologists develop theories and models that explain how … Read more
Contrary to the prevailing assumptions of the standard model, recent research suggests that dark matter may indeed be self-interacting. This groundbreaking study, published in Astronomy & Astrophysics and led by Riccardo Valdarnini of SISSA’s Astrophysics and Cosmology group, used numerical simulations to explore the dynamics within “El Gordo” (Spanish for “The Fat One”), a colossal … Read more
Astronomers from India and South Africa have made significant strides in understanding the massive galaxy cluster known as Abell 2566 through data analysis from NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory. Their research, reported in a paper published on May 17 on the preprint server arXiv, reveals the presence of sloshing cold fronts within the intracluster medium (ICM) … Read more
An international team of researchers led by astronomers from Leiden University (Netherlands) has produced the first sharp radio maps of the universe at low frequencies. Thanks to a new calibration technique, they bypassed the disturbances of the Earth’s ionosphere. They have used the new method to study plasmas from ancient black hole bursts. Potentially, the … Read more
A group of researchers at the University of Waterloo and the University of British Columbia have uncovered a potential “cosmic glitch” in the fabric of the universe’s gravitational framework, shedding light on the peculiar behavior of gravity on a cosmic scale. Their findings, published in the Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics, challenge the long-standing … Read more
The search for gravitational lenses is a fascinating endeavor in astronomy and cosmology that has revolutionized our understanding of the universe’s structure, composition, and evolution. Gravitational lenses are cosmic phenomena predicted by Einstein’s general theory of relativity, where the gravitational field of massive objects, such as galaxies or galaxy clusters, bends and distorts the paths … Read more
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the field of astronomy by enabling new approaches to data analysis, pattern recognition, and knowledge discovery. From processing vast amounts of observational data to enhancing simulations, AI techniques are enhancing our understanding of the universe and accelerating scientific discoveries. The role of AI in astronomy encompasses a wide range of … Read more
The interstellar medium (ISM) is the vast expanse of gas and dust that fills the space between stars in galaxies. Comprising a complex mixture of elements, molecules, and particles, the ISM plays a crucial role in the formation and evolution of stars, planets, and galaxies. Understanding the properties and dynamics of the interstellar medium is … Read more
The origin and evolution of the universe have fascinated humanity for millennia. Modern scientific theories, such as the Big Bang theory, provide a framework for understanding these cosmic processes. The universe began as an unimaginably dense and hot singularity around 13.8 billion years ago, expanding rapidly and cooling over time. Through cosmic inflation, galaxies, stars, … Read more
The dance of galaxies in the cosmic web is a mesmerizing spectacle of cosmic structure and evolution, revealing the intricate interplay of gravity, dark matter, and cosmic forces shaping the large-scale distribution of galaxies in the universe. The cosmic web is a vast network of filaments, voids, and clusters that connect galaxies across cosmic distances, … Read more
Embarking on a journey to the edge of the universe is an awe-inspiring concept that captures the imagination and curiosity of humanity. While our current technology limits our physical exploration to the confines of our solar system, the realms beyond hold mysteries and wonders waiting to be discovered. Our journey begins on Earth, our home … Read more
Dark matter is one of the most mysterious and elusive substances in the universe. Despite making up approximately 27% of the total mass-energy content of the cosmos, its nature remains largely unknown. Scientists have been working tirelessly for decades to unravel the secrets of dark matter, aiming to understand its properties, distribution, and role in … Read more
We now have a standard model of cosmology, the current version of the Big Bang theory. Although it has proved very successful, its consequences are staggering. We know only 5% of the content of the universe, which is normal matter. The remaining 95% is made up of two exotic entities that have never been produced … Read more
Using the powerful Magellan Telescopes in Chile, a team of Italian astronomers has turned their gaze toward the enigmatic giant galaxy cluster known as Abell 2744, affectionately dubbed the Pandora’s Cluster. Their findings, detailed in a paper published on February 13 via the preprint server arXiv, offer fresh insights into the intricate properties of this … Read more
Researchers at the University of Kansas (KU) hope to better understand intricate mechanisms behind the evolution of galaxies, which travel through a “cosmic web” of different environments during their lifespans. Gregory Rudnick, professor of physics & astronomy at KU, is leading a team to study “gas content and star-formation properties of galaxies” that are altered … Read more
Measuring the age of the universe, a question that has captivated astronomers and cosmologists for centuries, involves probing the depths of space and time to unravel the mysteries of cosmic evolution. Through a combination of theoretical models, observational data, and cutting-edge technologies, scientists have pieced together a remarkably detailed picture of the universe’s origins, composition, … Read more
Galaxies and nebulae are two captivating astronomical phenomena, each with distinct characteristics and roles in the vast tapestry of the universe. Understanding the differences between galaxies and nebulae is crucial in unraveling the complexities of cosmic structures, their formations, and their contributions to the cosmic landscape. A galaxy is an immense system of stars, stellar … Read more
The question of how the universe was created has intrigued humanity for centuries, prompting scientific, philosophical, and religious inquiries into the origins of existence. Modern cosmology, informed by a wealth of observational evidence and theoretical frameworks, provides a compelling narrative of the universe’s birth, often referred to as the Big Bang. The story begins approximately … Read more
The cosmic microwave background (CMB) is a relic radiation that permeates the universe, providing a crucial window into the early moments of cosmic history. This faint glow, discovered in 1965, is a cornerstone of modern cosmology, offering valuable insights into the origins, composition, and evolution of the cosmos. To understand the cosmic microwave background, one … Read more
The Big Bang is the prevailing cosmological model that describes the observable universe’s origin and early expansion. It proposes that approximately 13.8 billion years ago, the entire cosmos existed as an extremely hot and dense singularity, a point of infinite density. Suddenly, it underwent an exponential expansion, leading to the formation of space, time, and … Read more