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A few years ago, the Planck survey gave scientists an image of where dark matter might be hiding in the universe. This study was based on the monitoring of cosmic background radiation (CBR) but, like an invisible child on a trampoline, scientists still can not observe the dark matter directly – they can only measure its effects. Now, a new investigation by the Japanese Subaru telescope, called the Hyper Suprime-Cam investigation, has created a new 3D map of all this dark matter … But the two versions do not quite fit.
What is interesting is that the HSC survey does not use the same method as Planck. Instead of monitoring the CBR to create its map, it relied on the gravitational lens phenomenon, which occurs when the light is bent by gravitational forces. Astronomers have already used the gravitational lens to scan distant galaxies, but in the case of the HSC survey, it was essential to estimate the shape of a galaxy and see how distorted its image was when It was observed by the telescope. After taking into account all the regular variables, such as the effects of the atmosphere and the telescope itself, the remaining distortion was attributed to dark matter, which light would have to cross to reach the Earth.
The map created by the HSC survey is strikingly similar to that of Planck, but seems to reflect a less gloomy energy than expected. The difference is not statistically significant, but something similar happened in 2013 when the Planck satellite released its findings: there was a little less dark energy and dark matter than planned. It's still an exciting day for physicists and astronomers looking to pinpoint exactly 95% of the universe.
According to Rachel Mandelbaum, astronomer associated with the study: "Our map gives us a better idea of the amount of dark energy that exists and tells us a little about its properties and explains how it accelerates the expansion of the universe. ".
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