Important gravitational structure revealed by new space research
Written by Erica Marchand
Paris, France (SPX) September 30, 2024
An international group of scientists has made a major breakthrough in understanding the large-scale structure of the universe by identifying regions of critical gravity called “gravitational basins.” The research was led by Dr. Valade as part of his doctoral research under the supervision of Professor Yehuda Hoffmann of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Professor Noam Libeskind of AIP Potsdam. Contributions to this study also included Dr. Pomarede of the University of Paris-Saclay, Dr. Pfeiffer of AIP Potsdam, Professor Talley and Dr. Kurki of the University of Hawaii.
Insights into the structure of the universe
The study is based on the lambda cold dark matter (LCDM) cosmological model, which posits that the large-scale structure of the universe evolved from quantum fluctuations during early cosmic inflation. These small density changes increased over time, forming galaxies and galaxy clusters. As these density fluctuations intensified, they pulled in surrounding material, forming regions where gravity dominated, known as “gravitational basins”.
Innovative methods using Cosmicflows-4 data
The research team used the latest Cosmicflows-4 (CF4) data and a Hamiltonian Monte Carlo algorithm to map the large-scale structure of the universe, spanning up to about 1 billion light-years. This approach allowed the researchers to identify the gravitational regions and provide a probabilistic model of the most important gravitational regions that influence the galaxy’s motion.
Discover the charms of Laniakea and Shapley Basin
Previous studies classified the Milky Way as part of the Laniakea supercluster. However, newly available CF4 data suggests that Laniakea may lie within a larger Shapley basin that covers an even larger area of the local universe.
One of the most notable findings of the study was the identification of the Sloan Great Wall as the largest attractive basin. This region spans approximately 500 million cubic light years, making it more than twice the size of the Shapley Basin, previously thought to be the largest. These discoveries shed new light on the gravity that shapes the universe and provide new perspectives on the evolution and interactions of galaxies over time.
advance cosmological understanding
This research represents a major advance in understanding the gravitational structure and mechanics of the universe. By pinpointing gravitational basins, researchers have uncovered the key gravitational forces that shape cosmic flows and large-scale geological formations. The results of this study also pave the way for a deeper understanding of the distribution of dark matter and the factors driving the expansion of the universe.
This research not only increases our knowledge of the universe’s past and ongoing evolution, but also has the potential to improve current cosmological models and guide future astronomical research.
Research report: Identification of gravitational basins in the local universe
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