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Dark Energy Department , the cryptic power that ’s drive the accelerating elaboration of the universe , may not actually exist , scientists say . Their inquiry has bring into question one of the cornerstones of mod cosmology .
In a newfangled study , publish Dec. 19 , 2024 in the journalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society , the research worker analyse data from the Pantheon+ survey — the most comprehensive dataset of type Ia supernovae , whose consistent brightness allows astronomer to measure out distances across the universe with incredible precision . Their depth psychology suggests that what we perceive as quickening might be an illusion triggered by the large - scurf structure of the macrocosm .
Research suggests dark energy may make up a vast amount of the universe, yet know one has determined what it is. Now, research suggests dark energy may be an illusion that arises from cosmic voids.
Studying the universe with type Ia supernovae
Type Ia supernova , the explosive decease of white dwarf stars , have long serve as one of cosmology ’s most powerful tools . These stellar result occur when a ashen dwarf accretes enough material from a companion star to trigger a thermonuclear explosion . Because case 1a supernova grow consistent peak brightness , measuring their brightness level when observed from Earth can reveal how far away they are .
" Type Ia supernova are passing valuable in astronomy since they act as standardizable candles with which we can evaluate vast distances in the Universe , " study atomic number 27 - authorZachary Lane , a investigator at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand , tell apart Live Science in an electronic mail .
By combining this aloofness information with the red shift of the supernova — the stretching of light to cherry-red wavelength due to the universe ’s expansion — scientists have mapped the population ’s growth over prison term . 10 ago , researchers used this method to show that the universe ’s enlargement was quicken , a breakthrough that led to the hypothesis ofdark energy — a mysterious , unseen military unit thought to sink in outer space and push back this acceleration .
Pantheon+ dataset
The Pantheon+ dataset is the most all-encompassing and precise collection of type Ia supernovae ever assembled . cross decennium of observations from both ground - based and space telescopes , it contains information on 1,500 supernova across blank - sentence .
" At the time of this study , the Pantheon+ Type Ia Supernovae spectroscopic dataset was the largest and most pristine collection of strictly Type Ia supernovae , " Lane say .
The dataset ’s preciseness and size make it a goldmine for test cosmogonical fashion model . Its detailed records of brightness level and redshift declare oneself alone insights into how the universe has evolved , providing a decisive testing ground for alternative theories to the standard cosmologic model .
Challenging dark energy
While the approximation of dark energy explains much of the observed acceleration in the universe , it has always carry an air of mystery . Dark energy has never been directly discover , nor has its origin been explain theoretically , prompting some scientists to search other account .
The new written report takes intention at a primal premise of the stock model : that the existence is homogeneous and isotropous on large scales , mean it looks the same in every steering and from every vantage point .
This assumption underpin the need for morose get-up-and-go to excuse the universe ’s elaboration . However , Lane and his colleagues try an substitute idea called the timescape model , which suggests that the apparent acceleration could be a spin-off of cosmic bodily structure like vacancy — huge , near - empty region of blank between galaxy clustering .
" The received model of cosmology is build on the assumption that the Universe is uniform and featureless on large scale leaf and that cosmic structures do not importantly touch the evolution of the Universe , " Lane said . " Timescape abandons these laying claim and find that the unmistakable acceleration of the Universe is the result of feedback between cosmic structures . "
Because of their sparse matter and gravitational force , void expand faster than denser character of the universe , such as galax clusters . agree to the timescape model , the laterality of these voids in the cosmic landscape could excuse the ascertained speedup without the need for dark energy .
Evidence in favor of timescape
The team analyzed the Pantheon+ dataset and found that their results coordinate remarkably well with the timescape mannikin — and in some cases even outmatch the stock cosmologic model .
" When consider every supernova , admit those very close to us in theMilky Way , which could be influenced by local anatomical structure , we find very firm preference in party favor of the Timescape model , " Lane say . When supernovae in the nearby universe were excluded to account for local deviation , the grounds remained supportive , echoing findings from theDark Energy Survey(DES ) .
These resultant role dumbfound a direct challenge to the necessity of dark energy . " Consistently retrieve temperate or stronger evidence for a cosmological model without dark energy using one of the most historically significant observational method acting is an exciting candidate to be explored for the future of cosmogony , " Lane said .
The road ahead
While the findings are compelling , Lane stressed that further research is demand to solidify the case for timescape . " While other gene need to be considered for this to be more constitute within the cosmology community , it proves a hopeful initial mental testing , " he said .
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In the hereafter , the squad contrive to combine the Pantheon+ dataset with data from the Dark Energy Survey and heavy particle acoustical oscillation — approach pattern in the distribution of Galax urceolata that can be used as another cosmic swayer . The astronomers are also carry on pretense of how void expand under the framework ofgeneral relativityand search how these effects apply to galaxy formation and evolution .
" Our research group is explore several annex to our current work , aiming to dispute foundational aspects of cosmology , " Lane say . " A strong contend fabric will still enhance the time to come of cosmology and our current understanding of the challenges facing the arena . "
