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Mysteries of the Cosmic Web: Dark Matter, Gas and Galaxies

The cosmic web is a big part of how the universe is structured. It is made up of dark matter, gas, and galaxies. When we look at the universe, we see that galaxies are not just scattered randomly. They are organized in a way that scientists call the large-scale structure of the universe. The cosmic web is a key part of this structure.

In simple terms, the cosmic web is made up of three main things: dark matter, gas, and galaxies. Dark matter is the most abundant, making up about five-sixths of the cosmic web. Dark matter doesn’t interact with light, but it has a strong gravitational pull. It acts like a framework for galaxies and clusters of galaxies to form. The other part (one-sixth) of the cosmic web is made of regular matter: baryons like protons and neutrons, and electrons. This matter exists as intergalactic gas or as the stuff in galaxies, like stars, gas, and dust.

The gas in the cosmic web can be hot or cold, depending on where it is. The gas in galaxy clusters is usually very hot, reaching temperatures of tens of millions of degrees. Scientists call this intracluster gas or the intracluster medium (ICM). The ICM gives off X-rays that scientists can observe. It helps us understand how mass is spread in clusters and the history of how clusters formed. The ICM also affects how galaxies evolve in the cosmic web. It can take gas away from galaxies, stopping new stars from forming.

On the other hand, the gas in the filaments of the cosmic web, connecting galaxy clusters and superclusters, is usually colder, ranging from thousands to tens of thousands of degrees. This gas is known as the warm-hot intergalactic medium (WHIM). It’s challenging to observe the WHIM directly because it’s not as hot or dense as the gas in the ICM. The light it gives off doesn’t travel far in the universe before being absorbed. Still, scientists think the WHIM is an important part of the matter in the universe. It might also be crucial for helping galaxies grow by providing fuel for new stars to form.

Galaxies are found in clusters and superclusters, and they are part of the cosmic web. Throughout their existence, galaxies interact with the gas in the cosmic web. Gas from the web falls into galaxies, helping create new stars. At the same time, gas inside galaxies is pushed into the cosmic web by things like winds from supernovae and active supermassive black holes. These interactions could be the key to understanding how galaxies change over time.

November 18, 2023
Iceberg Mysteries Unveiled: What Lies Beneath the Surface

Let’s explore fascinating facts about icebergs. These enormous chunks of ice form from glaciers, which are found in places like Antarctica and Greenland. Due to the abundance of glaciers in these regions, there are many icebergs in the surrounding seas.

In 1956, an iceberg was discovered, and it was colossal, covering an area of 31,000 square kilometers. To give you an idea of its size, this iceberg was even larger than the country of Belgium. These icebergs originate from the glaciers of Antarctica. Sometimes, you might spot smaller icebergs, which can still weigh around 1.25 kilograms.

Here’s a surprising fact: Only about 1/10 of an iceberg is visible above the ocean’s surface. The other 9/10 are hidden beneath the sea. This means that what we see is just a small part of these massive ice formations.

The tallest iceberg ever recorded reached a towering height of 168 meters, and it extended about a kilometer beneath the water’s surface. However, it’s essential to know that the size of icebergs is diminishing over time. This is due to factors like climate change, warming temperatures, and conflicts.

In the rare event that a large iceberg tips over, it can have significant consequences, such as triggering earthquakes or tsunamis. The energy released during such events can be equivalent to that of a nuclear explosion. Navigating in areas with icebergs is always risky, and many ships have met their end in collisions with these icy giants.

Since the tragic sinking of the Titanic in 1912, the Navy has been diligently patrolling these areas of the sea. Their mission is to monitor iceberg movements and prevent such accidents from occurring again. They also send warnings to ships in these areas to ensure their safety. To further enhance safety measures, a committee was established in 1914 to keep a close watch on icebergs. This committee compiles information and releases reports in journals, and it includes members from 17 countries.

It’s commonly believed that icebergs are only white, but this isn’t entirely accurate. Icebergs come in various colors, including white, blue, green, and even yellow. The Southern Hemisphere is home to the largest number of icebergs. These incredible natural formations continue to captivate us with their sheer size and stunning colors.

October 23, 2023
The Enigmatic Mysteries of Mount Kailash

Climbing Mount Kailash is an unusual experience as it seems to accelerate the aging process, yet the cause behind this phenomenon remains a mystery that science has not been able to explain. Mount Kailash, located in Tibet, is a unique and mysterious mountain. Many intriguing stories and legends surround it, making it a place of great fascination for both locals and travelers.

One of the most perplexing aspects of Mount Kailash is that people who spend time in its vicinity appear to age more rapidly than usual. Hair and nails are said to grow at an abnormal rate. This phenomenon remains unexplained by modern science.

For Buddhists, Mount Kailash holds special significance as it is considered the heart of creation. In the beliefs of the local Tibetan inhabitants, this mountain is where the sky god resides. Due to its spiritual importance, climbing Mount Kailash is strictly prohibited.

Mount Kailash is also home to Lake Manasarovar, and there have been historical disputes over its rights. Many myths and legends revolve around this place, with some suggesting that it is where the divine resides. This further discourages attempts to climb the mountain.

Interestingly, no one—be it a traveler, scientist, or even satellites—has been able to uncover the mysteries of Mount Kailash. Its summit remains unapproachable, and no known path leads to the top. Moreover, the area around Mount Kailash hosts both freshwater and saltwater lakes, and the origins of these lakes remain shrouded in mystery.

Russian scientists believe that there are supernatural forces at play around Mount Kailash. They suggest that spiritual masters can be contacted telepathically in this area, adding to the mountain’s enigmatic reputation.

Legend has it that the elusive Yeti, also known as the “Snowman,” resides on Mount Kailash. Those who have attempted to climb the mountain have reported experiencing supernatural events and a feeling of their bodies ceasing to function properly. Scientists have even noted that Mount Kailash undergoes mysterious changes in appearance during the night.

It is said that strange sounds can be heard emanating from Mount Kailash during the dark of night. These sounds are believed to be a result of the interaction between light and sound. The mountain also features a place called “Yama’s Door,” which is considered the entrance to the realm of the god of death.

Additionally, Mount Kailash is known for the occurrence of a special seven-colored light in its sky. While scientists suggest that this phenomenon may be due to magnetic activity, the true cause remains uncertain. The mountain’s ability to encompass such a wide range of mysteries is indeed remarkable.

October 21, 2023
Alien Existence: NASA’s Recent Findings and UFO Mysteries

NASA recently released a report about aliens, focusing on whether or not they exist in space. People were eager to learn the report’s findings, but it did not definitively state whether aliens exist or not.

According to the report, while there is no concrete evidence of aliens in the universe, the possibility cannot be completely dismissed. Many individuals worldwide consider UFOs to be alien spacecraft, but the report did not confirm their existence. However, UFOs are frequently featured in movies and video games.

NASA’s study mentioned that although alien technology might function on Earth, we have not yet discovered it. NASA intends to take a more transparent approach to search for planets similar to Earth, where life could potentially exist.

In the vast universe, there are some mysterious objects that do not appear to be naturally occurring, and humans are not responsible for creating them. These objects are often referred to as UFOs. In 2017, two unusual bodies were discovered in Peru, which were suggested to be neither ancient humans nor anything we know. A researcher in Mexico even proposed that these bodies might be aliens. Scientists have doubts about the characteristics of these 1800-year-old bodies.

NASA had previously stated its intention to share all information about UFOs openly. However, in the interest of conducting more transparent research, NASA has not released extensive information to the public.

To enhance UFO research, NASA is exploring the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies. Furthermore, NASA is considering ways to involve the general public more actively in such research.

September 29, 2023
Aditya L-1: ISRO’s Bold Mission to Study the Sun’s Mysteries

Sending spacecraft closer to the Sun, where the heat is unbearable, might sound surprising, but it’s a fascinating endeavor that scientists and space agencies like NASA and ISRO are embarking on. While we’ve sent numerous spacecraft to the Moon and even had humans land there, the Sun is an entirely different challenge.

NASA states that the core temperature of the Sun reaches a staggering 27 million degrees Fahrenheit or around 15 million degrees Celsius. However, the surface temperature of the Sun is comparatively cooler at about 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Despite this significant difference in temperature, conquering the Sun poses extraordinary challenges.

NASA’s journey towards studying the Sun began with proposed solar expeditions as early as 1958. However, it wasn’t until the 21st century that advanced technology made it possible for humans to approach the Sun closely. In 2018, the historic Parker Solar Probe spacecraft was launched towards the Sun. This marked a significant milestone in our quest to understand the Sun’s deepest layer, the corona.

The Parker Solar Probe became the first spacecraft to breach Earth’s atmosphere and venture into the Sun’s corona region. Until then, this area had remained shrouded in mystery. Researching the corona is vital for comprehending the Sun’s impact on our solar system. Gathering data about this region is crucial because solar winds emanate from the corona, influencing space weather and conditions on Earth.

While NASA’s Parker Solar Probe embarked on this incredible mission, another significant development took place on September 2, this year, when the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) launched the Aditya L-1 spacecraft. This vehicle is set to cover an astonishing 15 lakh kilometers in just 127 days.

The Aditya L-1 spacecraft was launched using the PSLV 057 rocket and is now on its way to its designated target. Its mission objective is to reach the Sun’s Lagrange Point One, a specific region in space that will provide unique research opportunities.

One of the primary goals of the Aditya L-1 spacecraft is to study light emitted by the Sun and gather information that can help us understand Earth’s ice ages better. Additionally, this spacecraft aims to extract valuable data about the Sun’s magnetic field, marking a significant milestone in solar research.

September 18, 2023
Euclid Telescope: Illuminating the Dark Mysteries of the Universe

In the world of science, one of the biggest questions is: How was the universe created? To find answers to this question, a European telescope launched into space from Florida, USA, called Euclid, will capture images of billions of galaxies and create a precise three-dimensional map of the cosmos.

Researchers admit that they still know very little about dark matter and dark energy. None of these can be directly observed. Now, the Euclid mission will use its specially designed three-dimensional map to help scientists understand how dark energy and dark matter have influenced the time and space of the universe.

Isobel Hook, a professor of astrophysics and teacher at Lancaster University in the UK, says that due to this lack of knowledge, we cannot provide a definitive explanation about the origin of our universe.

She explains, “This mission will be somewhat like traveling on a spaceship before knowing where Earth is located, how we arrived at our current state, and how all the galaxies, solar systems, and life forms emerged since the Big Bang moment.”

Initially, this mission was led by the European Space Agency (ESA), but NASA, the United States’ space research agency, has also made significant contributions, especially in the telescope’s science and engineering.

Previously conducted research suggests that about 70% of the energy in the universe is dark energy. About 25% is dark matter, and the remaining 5% consists of visible objects like stars, planets, gases, dust, galaxies, and other observable matter.

To gain an understanding of this mysterious 95% of the universe, the Euclid telescope will conduct two surveys over six years. One of its primary tasks is to create a map that shows where and how dark matter exists in the universe. Dark matter itself cannot be directly identified, but astronomers can infer its existence through its gravitational effects on visible matter in the universe.

The Hubble Space Telescope has already made significant contributions in this regard, but Euclid will cover an area of the sky 15,000 square degrees in size, significantly larger than Hubble’s observations, providing a much more detailed look.

Mark Cropper, a professor at University College London’s Space and Climate Physics Laboratory, notes, “The images captured by this camera will be enormous. Just looking at one image will require more than three high-definition televisions.”

On the other hand, dark energy is entirely separate from dark matter. Dark energy’s presence causes galaxies to be spaced apart, leading to the universe’s accelerated expansion since its birth. Scientists believe that dark energy is a mysterious “force” that is propelling the expansion of the universe. Its existence and effects were confirmed by three scientists who were awarded the Nobel Prize in 1998.

The Euclid mission will not provide definitive answers, but it will refine our understanding of these two enigmatic phenomena. It may even open the door to entirely new explanations.

Babak Noroozi, a professor at Surrey University, says, “One possibility is that dark energy is actually a fifth force, a new force in the universe that only acts on large scales, affecting the universe’s expansion differently from gravity.”

September 13, 2023
European Space Agency’s Euclid Telescope Launched to Unravel Universe’s Mysteries

The quest to unravel the secrets of the universe’s composition has taken a significant leap forward with the launch of the Euclid telescope from Florida, USA. Developed by the European Space Agency (ESA), this ambitious mission aims to capture images of billions of distant galaxies, creating an unprecedented three-dimensional (3D) map of the universe. Scientists hope that this map will shed light on the elusive phenomena known as dark matter and dark energy.

Dark matter and dark energy are believed to exert a substantial influence on the size and expansion of the visible universe. However, despite their profound impact, researchers still possess limited knowledge about these enigmatic entities, as they cannot be directly observed.

The Euclid mission seeks to address this knowledge gap by leveraging its 3D map. Scientists aim to decipher the effects of dark energy and dark matter on the fabric of spacetime within the universe. Professor Isobel Hooke, an astronomer and lecturer at Lancaster University, explained, “Our lack of understanding of these phenomena prevents us from fully explaining the origins of our universe.”

The insights gained from the Euclid mission will undoubtedly contribute to a better understanding of the cosmos. As Professor Hooke aptly described it, the mission is akin to embarking on a voyage without knowing the destination, aiming to uncover humanity’s position within the universe, trace the formation of galaxies after the Big Bang, and explore the origins of life and our solar system.

With a price tag of 1.4 billion euros, the Euclid telescope was launched into space from Cape Canaveral using SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. It will be positioned approximately 1.5 million kilometers away from Earth, taking about a month to reach its designated orbit. The telescope will revolve around the Sun at the same speed as Earth while capturing cosmic data. Although initially an ESA project, NASA has also made significant contributions, particularly in the scientific and engineering aspects of the telescope.

Utilizing the Euclid telescope, scientists can identify and study the presence of dark matter by analyzing the light emitted from distant galaxies. The Hubble Space Telescope provided the first glimpse of this phenomenon, albeit in a limited area of the sky. In contrast, Euclid will extend this work across an expansive 15,000 square degree region.

The telescope’s VIS (Visible Imaging) camera, developed under UK leadership, will be responsible for capturing colossal images. Professor Mark Cropper from University College London’s Space Research Laboratory emphasized the magnitude of the task, stating that it would require over 300 high-definition televisions just to display a single image.

Dark energy, distinct from dark matter, is another compelling facet of the universe. It is believed to be responsible for the accelerated expansion of the cosmos, causing galaxies to move apart. By analyzing the 3D distribution of galaxies, Euclid will strive to deepen our understanding of dark energy. Scientists anticipate that studying the spatial relationships between various celestial objects will provide insights into the expansion rates of the universe.

The survey conducted by Euclid will provide the most accurate positional data to date on approximately 200 million galaxies situated roughly one thousand billion light-years away from Earth. This endeavor will allow scientists to address pivotal questions, such as whether the rate of expansion is uniform throughout the universe or if there are regional variations.

While Euclid will not directly identify dark matter or dark energy, it will narrow down the range of theories and ideas about these phenomena. The telescope has the potential to stimulate new avenues of research, including novel approaches to identifying dark matter particles.

Professor Mark McCorken from the European Space Agency’s ESO envisioned the impact of Euclid, suggesting that dark energy might represent a fifth force, exerting its influence solely on a cosmic scale, unrelated to life on Earth. Understanding dark energy could have far-reaching implications, influencing predictions about the expansion and future fate of the universe.

July 7, 2023