DESI's dark energy discovery could reshape cosmos theory
The latest study from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) suggests that dark energy might not be constant. If confirmed, this discovery could revolutionize our understanding of cosmology.
The recent data from DESI indicates that dark energy might not be constant. This mysterious force is responsible for the universe's accelerating expansion and regulates the ever-growing cosmos.
New discoveries from DESI
DESI, located at Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona, is an international collaboration involving over 900 scientists. In its first year, DESI created the most accurate 3D map of the universe, enabling the tracking of its expansion over the past 11 billion years. The device collects light from over 30 million galaxies and splits it into spectra, analyzing the light's colors. Based on these spectra, scientists can determine the so-called redshift, which shows how far galaxies have moved away from Earth. This helps establish their age and position in the universe's history.
Great simulation of the universe
To study these discoveries, scientists from Argonne National Laboratory used the Aurora supercomputer to conduct a simulation of the universe. These simulations allow for testing various scenarios and aid in analyzing data from DESI.
One of the key challenges in cosmology is distinguishing real patterns in data from distortions caused by data collection and analysis methods. Simulations provide a controlled environment for testing different theories.
What exactly is dark energy?
Dark energy is a hypothetical form of energy responsible for the universe's accelerating expansion. It accounts for about 68-70% of the total energy in the universe, but it neither emits, absorbs, nor reflects light.
Simulations conducted by the team at Argonne allow for rapid responses to new discoveries in cosmology. These simulations help scientists understand whether the observed patterns are due to new physical phenomena or the result of systematic errors.
