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Quantum to cosmos: Why scale is vital to our understanding of reality

Physics

Quantum to cosmos: Why scale is vital to our understanding of reality

From the vastness of the universe to the infinitesimal particles that comprise it, extremes of scale defy comprehension – and present a problem for physicists seeking a unified theory of everything

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We are about to hear echoes in the fabric of space for the first time

Space

We are about to hear echoes in the fabric of space for the first time

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A slice through the largest 3D map of our universe to date

Space

Invisible 'dark radiation' may explain a big problem with dark energy

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This enchanting spiral galaxy can be found in the constellation of Ursa Major (the Great Bear). Star-studded NGC 3972 lies about 65 million light-years away from Earth, meaning that the light that we see now left it 65 million years ago, just when the dinosaurs became extinct. NGC 3972 has had its fair share of dramatic events. In 2011 astronomers observed the explosion of a Type Ia supernova in the galaxy (not visible in this image). These dazzling objects all peak at the same brightness, and are brilliant enough to be seen over large distances. NGC 3972 also contains many pulsating stars called Cepheid variables. These stars change their brightness at a rate matched closely to their intrinsic luminosity, making them ideal cosmic lighthouses for measuring accurate distances to relatively nearby galaxies. Astronomers search for Cepheid variables in nearby galaxies that also contain a Type Ia supernova so they can compare the true brightness of both types of stars. That brightness information is used to calibrate the luminosity of Type Ia supernovae in far-flung galaxies so that astronomers can calculate the galaxies' distances from Earth. Once astronomers know accurate distances to galaxies near and far, they can determine and refine the expansion rate of the universe. This image was taken in 2015 with Hubble's Wide Field Camera 3, as part of a project to improve the precision of the Hubble constant ? a figure that describes the expansion rate of the universe. Text: European Space Agency

Space

Has the biggest problem in cosmology finally been solved?

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Physics

The galactic anomalies hinting dark matter is weirder than we thought

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We live in a cosmic void so empty that it breaks the laws of cosmology

Space

We live in a cosmic void so empty that it breaks the laws of cosmology

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Space

One of the biggest mysteries of cosmology may finally be solved

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Many versions of Earth disappearing into the distance

Space

The multiverse could be much, much bigger than we ever imagined

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Space

There are hints that dark energy may be getting weaker

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Early galaxy seen by JWST contains giant young stars and supernovae

Space

Early galaxy seen by JWST contains giant young stars and supernovae

The light signature from GLASS-z12, one of the most distant galaxies we have ever seen, suggests some of its stars have already exploded as supernovae

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Space

Some of the greatest cosmic discoveries have come about by accident

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Space

A legendary cosmologist on how to find a deeper theory of the universe

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Space

How galactic mysteries near and far are poised to shake up cosmology

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Space

Two books to write and the universe to decipher – 2024’s gonna be busy

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