With the proposed existence of dark matter and the observed acceleration of the Universe's expansion, the accuracy of these mathematicians' equations is being challenged: can they account for these enigmatic phenomena?
A group from the University of Geneva (UNIGE) has pioneered the first methodology to determine this.
An unprecedented metric: distortion of time
The theories of Leonhard Euler (1707-1783) and Albert Einstein (1879-1955) have transformed our comprehension of the cosmos. Euler, through his renowned equation, gifted scientists a potent instrument to compute the motions of galaxies within the Universe. Einstein, with his theory of general relativity, asserted that the Universe isn't a static image: it can be contorted by star clusters and galaxies.
Physicists have scrutinized these equations through numerous tests, which so far have been validated. However, two discoveries persist in probing these models: the accelerating expansion of the Universe and the proposed existence of unseen dark matter, which is estimated to constitute 85 percent of all matter within the cosmos. Can these enigmatic phenomena comply with Einstein and Euler's equations?
The Unidentified Element in Cosmological Data
"In our recent research, we have highlighted the complexity of distinguishing between theories that violate Einstein's equations and those that contradict Euler's equations based on current cosmological data," states Camille Bonvin - an associate professor in the Department of Theoretical Physics at UNIGE and the primary author of the study. The study further presents a mathematical solution to this conundrum, reflecting the culmination of a decade-long research.
The researchers' inability to validate either of the two equations at the Universe's edge was primarily due to the absence of a crucial piece of data: time distortion measurement.
Bonvin elucidates, "Previously, we were only capable of measuring the velocity of celestial bodies and the sum of time and space distortion. We have now devised a novel method to obtain this additional measurement, marking a significant first."
If the time distortion does not correspond with the sum of time and space, implying the result produced by the theory of general relativity, it would indicate a flaw in Einstein's model. Conversely, if the time distortion doesn't align with the velocity of galaxies calculated using the Euler equation, it would signify the equation's invalidity.
"This will enable us to ascertain if there exist any new forces or substances in the Universe that contradict these two theories," remarked Levon Pogosian, a professor in the Department of Physics at Simon Fraser University, Canada, and a co-author of the study.
Forthcoming Endeavors
The findings of this study will play a pivotal role in various missions aimed at deciphering the origin of the Universe's accelerated expansion and the nature of dark matter. These missions include the EUCLID space telescope, set to be launched by ESA in collaboration with UNIGE in July 2023, and the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) that began its mission in 2021 in Arizona. In addition, the international SKA (Square Kilometer Array) radio telescope project will commence its observations in 2028/29 in South Africa and Australia.
Bonvin further adds, "Our technique will be incorporated into these various missions, as already evidenced by our collaboration with DESI." The research team has effectively tested its model on synthetic galaxy catalogs, with the next phase set to involve testing with the initial data provided by DESI. The team will also focus on identifying and mitigating any systematic features that could potentially impede its application.
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