Astronomers have made a breakthrough in understanding the universe by discovering hidden information in 3D maps of galaxies. Led by Dr. Minh Nguyen of the University of Tokyo, researchers used powerful computer algorithms to analyze data from galaxy surveys, revealing new insights into the dark universe.
The traditional method of analyzing galaxy data involved compressing it into “n-point correlation functions” to speed up processing time. However, this approach was found to be suppressing vital information, which is now being revealed by a technique called “field-level inference” (FLI). FLI works directly with 3D maps of galaxies and uses voxel lattice grids to depict predicted galaxy structures according to the standard model of cosmology.
The research team’s results show a significant improvement in detail and accuracy compared to traditional methods. This new approach could reveal asymmetries in quantum fluctuations, anomalies in gravitational evolution, and local effects associated with dark matter. The findings are expected to contribute to our understanding of large-scale structures in the universe, which can be traced back to the big bang.
The next step is to test FLI on real data from various space missions, including the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument, Subaru Prime Focus Spectrograph, and Euclid mission. This could lead to new discoveries about the dark universe and its effects on galaxy growth in large-scale structures across the universe.
Source: https://www.space.com/the-universe/galaxies/scientists-find-hints-of-the-dark-universe-in-3d-maps-of-the-cosmos