Dark Matter Used to Measure Age of Universe
Astronomers have employed a novel technique using gravitational lensing to estimate the Hubble constant, a crucial parameter that determines the size and age of the universe. This method provides an independent verification of previous calculations made using supernovae observations and cosmic microwave background measurements[1][2].
Gravitational Lensing Technique
A gravitational lens is a massive object, such as a galaxy surrounded by dark matter, that bends light passing through it. In the case of B1608+656, astronomers observe four distorted images of the same background galaxy[1].
The technique works by measuring the time delay between light rays from the background galaxy as they travel different paths around the lens. This delay, combined with the well-understood mass distribution of the lens, allows researchers to calculate the overall distance and infer the Hubble constant[1].
Comparison with Other Methods
The Hubble constant has been a subject of debate in recent years due to a discrepancy between measurements made using different methods. The cosmic microwave background measurements suggest a value of about 67 kilometers per second per megaparsec, while supernova observations indicate approximately 73 kilometers per second per megaparsec[2].
This new gravitational lensing method provides a valuable third approach to help resolve the “Hubble tension” and improve our understanding of the universe’s expansion rate[2].
Implications for the Age of the Universe
The Hubble constant is inversely related to the age of the universe. A larger Hubble constant implies a younger universe, while a smaller value suggests an older universe. Current estimates based on various methods place the age of the universe at approximately 13.8 billion years[2][4].
However, recent research has proposed alternative models that could potentially double this age estimate. For instance, a paper by Rajendra Gupta suggested the universe might be around 26.7 billion years old, although this claim has been met with skepticism from the broader scientific community[3].
Role of Dark Matter and Dark Energy
Dark matter plays a crucial role in these calculations, as it constitutes about 26.8% of the universe’s mass-energy content. Along with dark energy, which makes up 68.2%, these mysterious components account for 95% of the universe’s total mass-energy[5].
Understanding dark matter and dark energy is essential for refining our models of cosmic evolution and improving age estimates of the universe[4].
Relevance to Human Survival
While the age of the universe might seem like an abstract concept, understanding it has several implications for human survival:
- Long-term planning: Knowing the universe’s age and potential lifespan helps us consider the long-term future of humanity and potential challenges we might face.
- Resource management: Understanding cosmic timescales can inform decisions about resource utilization and conservation on Earth.
- Technological advancements: Research into dark matter and cosmic expansion drives technological innovations that can have practical applications on Earth.
- Existential perspective: Comprehending the vast age of the universe provides context for human existence and can influence our approach to global challenges.
While not immediately critical for day-to-day survival, this knowledge shapes our understanding of our place in the cosmos and informs long-term strategies for the continuation of human civilization.
Read More
[1] https://arxiv.org/abs/2304.10435
[2] https://www.space.com/new-hubble-constant-measurement-gravitational-lenses.html
[3] https://www.epfl.ch/labs/lastro/using-gravitational-lensing-to-measure-the-hubble-constant/
[4] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC33560/
[5] https://www.aanda.org/articles/aa/full_html/2013/11/aa21882-13/aa21882-13.html
[6] https://physicsworld.com/a/gravitational-lensing-of-supernova-yields-new-value-for-hubble-constant/
[7] https://www.universetoday.com/168790/gravitational-lens-confirms-the-hubble-tension/
[8] https://ned.ipac.caltech.edu/level5/March04/Kochanek/frames.html