NI Bureau
Scientists have announced the release of a groundbreaking 3D map of the universe, suggesting it could shed light on dark energy, the enigmatic force driving the universe’s rapid expansion.
Led by Shadab Alam at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Mumbai, an international team of researchers unveiled findings based on observations from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI). This instrument, installed on a telescope, can simultaneously capture light from 5,000 galaxies.
The study, utilizing data collected by DESI in Arizona, marks a significant leap, tripling the number of galaxies analyzed compared to previous endeavors, many of which had their distances measured for the first time.
Through this map, scientists claim to have achieved unparalleled precision in measuring the universe’s historical rate of expansion. Their results confirm that the universe’s expansion is accelerating. However, the findings hint at the possibility that dark energy—previously thought to be constant—may vary over time.
Dr. Seshadri Nadathur, a co-author of the study from the University of Portsmouth’s Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation, expressed excitement over these indications of dark energy’s dynamism, deviating from the conventional model of a constant cosmological force.
Prof. Carlos Frenk, co-author from Durham University, suggested that if dark energy remains constant, the universe’s fate is straightforward: perpetual expansion. Yet, if the observed hints stand, this fundamental assumption would be challenged.
Prateeksha Thakur
