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Cosmology

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

Space

Invisible ‘dark radiation’ may explain a big problem with dark energy

Surprising recent measurements hint that the universe isn’t expanding in the way we had thought, and it could be explained by still-theoretical dark radiation

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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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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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Space

Early galaxy seen by JWST contains giant young stars and 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

Nobel prizewinner Jim Peebles, who helped create our model of how the universe evolved, discusses dark matter, the value of iconoclastic ideas and the astronomical anomalies to keep your eye on

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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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Space

Weird cosmic clumping hints our understanding of the universe is wrong

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Space

Euclid space telescope releases its first stunning full-colour images

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