For decades, scientists have been puzzled by the elusive nature of ordinary matter, which forms the fabric of stars, planets, and life itself. Recent breakthroughs, however, have shed light on this cosmic puzzle thanks to the discovery and analysis of fast radio bursts (FRBs). These fleeting yet powerful radio waves have become the key to mapping the universe’s missing matter.
Fast Radio Bursts are brief, intense flashes of radio waves that originate from distant galaxies. As they journey through space, they pass through clouds of ionized gas, slowing down slightly based on the amount of matter encountered. By analyzing these signals, scientists can calculate the mass of invisible matter along their path.
A recent study published in Nature Astronomy has harnessed the power of 69 well-localized FRBs to reveal the distribution of ordinary matter across the universe. The findings confirm that about 76% of ordinary matter resides in the intergalactic medium, a diffuse stretch of space between galaxies.
To accurately trace the origins of FRBs and map the ordinary matter they illuminate, localization is essential. Only about 100 of the over 1,000 detected FRBs have been successfully traced back to their host galaxies. The study used a sophisticated network of radio antennas in California, as well as global observatories such as Australia’s Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder.
The discovery of FRBs has also shed new light on the role of ghost particles, specifically neutrinos. Real-world observations now suggest that neutrinos do possess mass, challenging the standard model of particle physics.
This breakthrough opens new avenues for exploring fundamental physics and may lead to further discoveries in cosmology. The implications of this work extend beyond mapping the universe, providing insights into its formation, evolution, and ultimate fate.
Source: https://www.sustainability-times.com/research/they-found-the-missing-matter-cosmic-radio-bursts-used-to-map-long-lost-atoms-hiding-across-the-universe-for-billions-of-years