Cosmic 'baby pictures' reveal universe's 1st steps toward stars, galaxies
What's the story
A global team of researchers has unveiled a stunning series of images that provide the most detailed glimpse yet into the infancy of our universe. The images, taken by the now-retired Atacama Cosmology Telescope (ACT), give an unprecedented view of the 13.8 billion-year-old cosmos just 380,000 years after its birth (Big Bang). This is a snapshot from the universe's infancy, a tiny fraction of its current age.
Technological advantage
ACT's superior resolution allowed detailed mapping of universe
The now-decommissioned ACT, situated in the remote Chilean Andes, provided higher resolution data in certain aspects, such as polarization, compared to ESA's Planck space telescope. The improved clarity allowed scientists to detect faint light polarization and produce more detailed maps of the universe. Suzanne Staggs, director of ACT, said this technology enables researchers to make broad statements about the universe's composition and structure.
Discovery
Images reveal universe's ancient gaseous movements
The new images, which combine data from ACT and ESA's Planck space telescope, show the contrast between different radiation levels in the cosmic microwave background (CMB). These maps infer the distribution and movement of primordial gases like hydrogen and helium through variations in the CMB. This provides insights into the early conditions of the universe, which are crucial for understanding its subsequent evolution.
Confirming theories
New images refine universe's age and expansion rate
The new images have aided scientists in determining the universe's age (13.8 billion years) and its expansion speed (67-68km per second per megaparsec) more accurately. Adriaan Duivenvoorden from the Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics said that their independent check of the cosmological model confirmed its validity. The findings were presented at a conference hosted by the American Physical Society in Anaheim, California.
Validation
ACT's images validate standard model of cosmology
The latest images from ACT have validated the standard model of cosmology, our best understanding of how the universe formed and evolved. They show the intensity and polarization of early light with unprecedented clarity. The data also revealed ancient gases' movements, providing evidence for the formation of hydrogen and helium clouds that would later give rise to stars, marking a significant step toward galaxy formation.