Planck data refine age and composition of universe
Posted: Fri, Mar 22, 2013, 8:31 AM ET (1231 GMT)
Analysis of observations of the cosmic microwave background by a European spacecraft have led astronomers to conclude the universe is slightly older, and with slightly more matter, than previously calculated. ESA released on Thursday the first cosmic microwave background data from its Planck mission, launched in 2009, giving astronomers the most detailed look yet at this remnant light from the Big Bang. The data showed a slightly lower rate of the expansion of the universe, a value called the Hubble constant, which results in an age of the universe of 13.82 billion years, about 100 million years older than previous estimates. The Planck results show more ordinary matter, 4.9% of the universe versus 4.5%, and dark matter, 26.8% versus 22.7%; dark energy, which comprises the rest, has gone done. The Planck data, while supporting the inflation theory of the Big Bang, do reveal an asymmetry not explained by conventional models.
Analysis of observations of the cosmic microwave background by a European spacecraft have led astronomers to conclude the universe is slightly older, and with slightly more matter, than previously calculated. ESA released on Thursday the first cosmic microwave background data from its Planck mission, launched in 2009, giving astronomers the most detailed look yet at this remnant light from the Big Bang. The data showed a slightly lower rate of the expansion of the universe, a value called the Hubble constant, which results in an age of the universe of 13.82 billion years, about 100 million years older than previous estimates. The Planck results show more ordinary matter, 4.9% of the universe versus 4.5%, and dark matter, 26.8% versus 22.7%; dark energy, which comprises the rest, has gone done. The Planck data, while supporting the inflation theory of the Big Bang, do reveal an asymmetry not explained by conventional models.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
NASA releases report on Starliner crewed test flight problems
Posted: Sun, Feb 22 11:45 AM ET (1645 GMT) |
|
news links
|
|
Saturday, February 28
Firefly set to launch Alpha rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base on Saturday
KSBY-TV San Luis Obispo, CA — 9:38 am ET (1438 GMT) Firefly Aerospace Alpha Rocket Ready for Return to Flight at Vandenberg
Noozhawk — 9:37 am ET (1437 GMT) Space Command offers bonuses for Huntsville move
Axios — 9:35 am ET (1435 GMT) Firefly Alpha FLTA007 “Stairway to Seven” set for launch from California coast
NasaSpaceFlight.com — 9:34 am ET (1434 GMT) Rocket Lab Delays Neutron Flight To Late 2026 After Test Failure
Aviation Week — 9:33 am ET (1433 GMT) |
