Science News: Mapping the Universe to Study Dark Energy

James McCrum’s reports on ground breaking research being conducted in St. Andrews in the School of Physics and Astronomy.

St. Andrews is a university known for its impressive research, ranking third in the United Kingdom for the quality of its research projects. The Stand would like to highlight these achievements and thus, this article will be the beginning of an ongoing series about various research projects in the science schools of St. Andrews.

Dr. Rita Tojeiro, of the school of Physics and Astronomy, is working on a project to produce a three-dimensional map of the universe. This project has been running for nearly twenty years, mapping five galaxies a night, to slowly build up an increasingly complex picture of the macroscopic distribution of galaxies. Dr. Tojeiro has worked on a similar project in the past – Sloan Digital Sky Survey III – which was the largest ever map of this type, including 1.2 million galaxies. This number seems vast- and it is – but it’s only a tiny sliver of the total number of galaxies we can possibly observe. The observable universe – the local spherical region of space encompassing everything we can see – contains hundreds of billions of galaxies, at least, with the exact number unknown. Research continues to make even more detailed maps.

image source: pixabay

The current project is now drawing to a close, with results expected to be published later this year. Dr. Tojeiro is currently working on her next, even larger project – the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) survey. DESI uses far more advanced technology to produce a vastly more enormous map of space.

As DESI’s name implies, these projects have more significance beyond simply mapping galaxies. Although being able to measure and plot the universe at such enormous scales is an impressive feat – they are also important because they aid in the study of the elusive, poorly understood Dark Energy.

When the universe was young, it was composed of an incredibly hot, dense cloud of particles – the primordial plasma. At this point in time, atoms did not exist. The plasma consisted of electrons and baryons – the smaller constituent parts of atoms. Atoms would not come into existence, coalescing and combining out of the elements of this plasma, until much later.

Gravity, the inexorable force of attraction between all matter objects, tended to draw the plasma inwards – compressing and constricting it. However, the energy released by the hot plasma tended to push outwards; the result was a conflict in forces. The disturbances in the boiling, churning primordial plasma rippled outwards, forming waves. These are called Baryonic Acoustic Oscillations – BAOs for short.

These waves propagated through the universe. They continued to do so until the plasma cooled to the point that atoms formed – as hydrogen began to come into existence, the waves froze in place, leaving their imprint in the distribution of the coalescing matter. This period is known as recombination.

The importance of BAOs is that they provide a ruler for the expansion of the universe. The universe is expanding and has been since the moment of its birth – this growth is driven by a mysterious form of energy known as Dark Energy – ubiquitous, but poorly understood, the exact nature of Dark Energy is one of the most significant unsolved problems in physics.

pixabay

These waves, frozen into the basic structure of the universe, are stretched by the expanding universe. By calculating the length of the waves at the point of recombination (many billions of years ago) and then measuring the wave’s current length (by observing the distance between galaxies), the rate of expansion can be measured.

The research being carried out at St Andrews, in conjunction with other institutions, aids us in understanding how and why the universe is expanding, going right to the core of one of the most important and most poorly understood areas in all of cosmology.

 

Comments

comments

181 thoughts on “Science News: Mapping the Universe to Study Dark Energy

  1. Thanks for the points shared on the blog. Something else I would like to talk about is that weight loss is not about going on a fad diet and trying to shed as much weight as possible in a set period of time. The most effective way in losing weight is by acquiring it slowly and gradually and right after some basic points which can allow you to make the most from the attempt to drop some weight. You may be aware and be following many of these tips, but reinforcing information never damages.

  2. These days of austerity as well as relative stress and anxiety about having debt, many people balk against the idea of employing a credit card in order to make purchase of merchandise or pay for a trip, preferring, instead just to rely on this tried along with trusted technique of making transaction – hard cash. However, if you’ve got the cash there to make the purchase in full, then, paradoxically, this is the best time to be able to use the card for several factors.

  3. Hello there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and found that it is truly informative. I am going to watch out for brussels. I will appreciate if you continue this in future. Many people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!

  4. Hello there, just became aware of your weblog thru Google, and located that it is really informative. I am gonna watch out for brussels. I will be grateful when you proceed this in future. A lot of folks can be benefited out of your writing. Cheers!|

  5. Great paintings! That is the type of info that should be shared across the net. Disgrace on the seek engines for not positioning this submit higher! Come on over and seek advice from my website . Thanks =)

  6. Hi! Quick question that’s totally off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My web site looks weird when viewing from my iphone4. I’m trying to find a template or plugin that might be able to fix this problem. If you have any suggestions, please share. With thanks!|

  7. A person essentially help to make seriously articles I would state. This is the very first time I frequented your web page and thus far? I surprised with the research you made to create this particular publish extraordinary. Excellent job!

  8. What i do not understood is actually how you are no longer actually much more smartly-favored than you might be now. You are very intelligent. You already know therefore significantly on the subject of this matter, produced me in my opinion believe it from so many numerous angles. Its like men and women aren’t interested unless it’s one thing to do with Girl gaga! Your personal stuffs nice. All the time maintain it up!

  9. It’s the best time to make a few plans for the long run and it’s time to be happy. I have learn this submit and if I may I desire to recommend you some fascinating issues or advice. Maybe you can write subsequent articles regarding this article. I want to learn even more issues approximately it!

  10. Greetings from Florida! I’m bored at work so I decided to browse your website on my iphone during lunch break. I love the knowledge you provide here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home. I’m surprised at how quick your blog loaded on my cell phone .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyways, great site!

  11. Hi there! I know this is kind of off topic but I was wondering if you knew where I could get a captcha plugin for my comment form? I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having problems finding one? Thanks a lot!

  12. Hi would you mind letting me know which webhost you’re utilizing? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 completely different browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot faster then most. Can you recommend a good internet hosting provider at a honest price? Many thanks, I appreciate it!

  13. My partner and I stumbled over here from a different web page and thought I might as well check things out. I like what I see so now i’m following you. Look forward to looking into your web page repeatedly.

  14. Pingback: bahis siteleri
  15. The next time I read a blog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as much as this one. I mean, I know it was my choice to read, but I actually thought youd have something interesting to say. All I hear is a bunch of whining about something that you could fix if you werent too busy looking for attention.

  16. hello!,I love your writing very much! percentage we keep in touch more about your article on AOL? I require an expert in this space to resolve my problem. May be that is you! Having a look forward to peer you.

  17. Today, considering the fast way of life that everyone leads, credit cards have a huge demand throughout the economy. Persons from every area of life are using the credit card and people who are not using the card have made arrangements to apply for one. Thanks for discussing your ideas on credit cards.

  18. Magnificent beat ! I would like to apprentice while you amend your website, how could i subscribe for a blog website? The account aided me a acceptable deal. I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright clear idea

  19. I have read several excellent stuff here. Certainly price bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how so much effort you put to create this kind of fantastic informative website.

  20. Undeniably imagine tha that you stated. Youг favourite justification appeared tօ be on tһe neet tһе
    simplest thing to understand оf. Ӏ ssay tⲟ you, I definitеly gеt irked аt the ѕame timе
    аs folks consideг issues tɑt tһey juѕt do not recognize аbout.
    You controlled tto hit tһe naail սpon thhe hіghest and defined ⲟut tһe wole tһing withoսt һaving siԀe effect
    , folks can taie a signal. Ꮤill probɑbly bе
    back to get mⲟrе. Thanks

    Mү рage :: намайг хайрла

  21. I believe this is among the so much vital info for me. And i am happy studying your article. But should observation on few normal issues, The site taste is perfect, the articles is in reality nice : D. Good job, cheers|

  22. Wrіte more, thatѕ ɑll I hаve to say. Literally, іt seemѕ as though you
    relied on the video to make your point. You clearly ҝnow ѡhat үoure talking
    аbout, why throw away your intelligence oon jսst posting videos
    to yоur blog ѡhen yߋu could Ьe giving us sometһing enlightening
    to reɑd?

    Feel free tⲟ visit my page :: discuss

  23. Hey I know this iѕ ooff topic but I waѕ wondering іf you кnew оf ɑny widgets I couhld add t᧐ mу blog that automatically tweet my
    newеst twitter updates. Ӏ’ve ƅeеn lоoking for
    a plug-in like tһiѕ for quite some time and was hoing
    maybe you wouⅼd have sοme experience wіth somethіng likе thiѕ.
    Please let me ҝnow if yߋu rᥙn into аnything.
    I tгuly enjoy reading ʏour blog and Ӏ looк forward to yoսr new updates.

    Му рage :: 詳細を取得する

  24. Hi, i think that i saw you visited my blog so i got here to “return the desire”.I’m attempting to to find things to improve my web site!I assume its good enough to make use of a few of your ideas!!

  25. Somebody necessarily lend a hand to make severely posts I would state. That is the first time I frequented your website page and up to now? I surprised with the research you made to create this particular submit amazing. Great process!

  26. Thanks, I have just been looking for info about this topic for a long time and yours is the greatest I’ve discovered so far. However, what about the conclusion? Are you certain in regards to the source?

  27. Hey Ι know thіs is offf toplic bᥙt I wаs wondering
    іf you kneѡ of any widgets I сould add to my blog thɑt automatically
    tweet my newest twitter updates. І’ve been ⅼooking fߋr a plug-in lіke this fоr quіte some time and was hoping maʏƅe you w᧐uld have somе experience ԝith ѕomething liқe this.
    Pⅼease lеt mе know if yⲟu run into anythіng. I
    truly enjoy reading your blog and Ӏ look forward tο ʏour new updates.

    Visit my web-site খেলার স্লট

  28. I am curious to find out what blog platform you are utilizing? I’m having some minor security issues with my latest website and I’d like to find something more risk-free. Do you have any suggestions?

  29. Greetings! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a group of volunteers and starting a new initiative in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us useful information to work on. You have done a extraordinary job!

  30. I¡¦m now not positive where you’re getting your information, but good topic. I must spend a while studying more or figuring out more. Thanks for wonderful info I was searching for this information for my mission.

  31. I’ll immediately clutch your rss as I can not find your e-mail subscription hyperlink or e-newsletter service. Do you’ve any? Please let me understand so that I may subscribe. Thanks.

  32. Pretty section of content. I just stumbled upon your web site and in accession capital to assert that I acquire in fact enjoyed account your blog posts. Anyway I’ll be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently fast.

  33. An attention-grabbing discussion is value comment. I feel that it’s best to write more on this subject, it might not be a taboo topic but typically persons are not enough to talk on such topics. To the next. Cheers

  34. Today, with the fast life-style that everyone leads, credit cards have a big demand throughout the market. Persons coming from every discipline are using credit card and people who are not using the card have lined up to apply for even one. Thanks for giving your ideas in credit cards.

  35. Pingback: A片
  36. We’re a group of volunteers and opening a new scheme in our community. Your website offered us with valuable info to work on. You have done a formidable job and our entire community will be grateful to you.

  37. Its like you read my mind! You appear to know so much about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you could do with some pics to drive the message home a bit, but other than that, this is great blog. A great read. I’ll definitely be back.

  38. Hello there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found that it’s truly informative. I am gonna watch out for brussels. I will appreciate if you continue this in future. Lots of people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!

  39. Thanks for your publication. I also think laptop computers have become more and more popular currently, and now in many cases are the only form of computer utilized in a household. This is because at the same time potentially they are becoming more and more cost-effective, their computing power keeps growing to the point where they may be as powerful as pc’s through just a few years back.

  40. Somebody essentially help to make seriously articles I might state. That is the very first time I frequented your website page and to this point? I surprised with the research you made to make this actual submit amazing. Excellent process!

  41. Undeniably consider thаt which you saiԁ.
    Your favourite justification appeared tο ƅe ߋn the net the simplest factor tⲟ cоnsider of.
    Ӏ say to you, I cetainly get irked while other folks think abojt worriess tһаt tһey plainly ԁon’t know ɑbout.
    Yߋu controlled to hiit the nail upοn the top and outlined out the entire tһing with no need ѕide effect , people cօuld takе a signal.
    Will probably Ьe back too get more. Тhank yoᥙ

    Feel free to visit my һomepage :: harga seo

  42. Hey there! Do you know if they make any plugins to assist with Search Engine Optimization? I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good results. If you know of any please share. Thanks!

  43. Magnificent beat ! I ԝish tto apprentice ᴡhile yoᥙ amend уоur website, һow ⅽould i
    subscribe fօr a blog website? The account aided mе a acceptable deal.
    І haad been tiny biit acquainteed of this your broadcast ⲣrovided bright ⅽlear concept

    Here iѕ my site; jasa seo judi

  44. You can definitely see your skills within the paintings you write. The arena hopes for even more passionate writers like you who aren’t afraid to say how they believe. All the time follow your heart.

  45. I wish to point out my gratitude for your generosity supporting men and women that absolutely need guidance on your subject matter. Your special dedication to getting the solution up and down had become amazingly functional and has usually empowered ladies just like me to attain their ambitions. Your valuable help implies much a person like me and still more to my peers. Regards; from all of us.

  46. Hey tһere! Ꭲhiѕ post ⅽouldn’t be written аny better!
    Reaading through this post reminds mе of mу
    previous room mate! Нe alwaʏs kеpt talking aƅout tһis.
    I wіll forward tһis wгite-up to him. Fairly ceгtain he ԝill һave a gooԀ read.

    Thankѕ for sharing!

    Аlso visdit my web blog … WismaBet Casino

  47. Thank you, I’ve recently been searching for information approximately this topic for a long time and yours is the best I’ve found out so far. However, what concerning the conclusion? Are you certain about the supply?

  48. Hey just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The text in your article seem to be running off the screen in Ie. I’m not sure if this is a format issue or something to do with internet browser compatibility but I thought I’d post to let you know. The design look great though! Hope you get the issue resolved soon. Many thanks

  49. Together with the whole thing which seems to be building inside this area, your points of view are actually relatively exciting. Having said that, I appologize, but I can not subscribe to your whole suggestion, all be it stimulating none the less. It looks to everybody that your comments are generally not entirely validated and in simple fact you are generally your self not even totally certain of the point. In any case I did take pleasure in reading through it.

  50. Do you mind if I quote a couple of your posts as long as I provide credit and sources back to your weblog? My blog site is in the exact same niche as yours and my visitors would really benefit from some of the information you present here. Please let me know if this okay with you. Regards!

  51. Hiya very cool website!! Guy .. Excellent .. Amazing .. I will bookmark your website and take the feeds also…I’m glad to find so many helpful info here within the put up, we need work out extra techniques on this regard, thank you for sharing.

  52. Thanks , I have just been looking for info about this topic for ages and yours is the greatest I’ve came upon so far. However, what in regards to the conclusion? Are you positive concerning the supply?

  53. I’ve observed that in the world nowadays, video games will be the latest phenomenon with kids of all ages. There are times when it may be impossible to drag your children away from the activities. If you want the best of both worlds, there are various educational video games for kids. Great post.

  54. Howdy I am so excited I found your web site, I really found you by accident, while I was browsing on Bing for something else, Nonetheless I am here now and would just like to say thanks for a incredible post and a all round exciting blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to read it all at the moment but I have saved it and also added in your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read a lot more, Please do keep up the great work.

  55. I simply couldn’t leave your website before suggesting that I extremely loved the usual information a person provide for your guests? Is going to be back ceaselessly in order to investigate cross-check new posts.

  56. This design is incredible! You definitely know how to keep a reader amused. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Great job. I really enjoyed what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!

  57. Its like you read my mind! You seem to know a lot about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you can do with some pics to drive the message home a bit, but other than that, this is great blog. A fantastic read. I will certainly be back.

  58. Excellent web site. A lot of helpful info here. I am sending it to a few buddies ans additionally sharing in delicious. And certainly, thanks for your effort!

  59. It’s a pity you don’t have a donate button! I’d definitely donate to this outstanding blog! I guess for now i’ll settle for book-marking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to fresh updates and will share this website with my Facebook group. Chat soon!

  60. Have you ever thought about including a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is valuable and everything. Nevertheless just imagine if you added some great graphics or videos to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with images and videos, this website could certainly be one of the most beneficial in its niche. Very good blog!

  61. It is appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it’s time to be happy. I have read this post and if I could I want to suggest you few interesting things or suggestions. Maybe you can write next articles referring to this article. I desire to read more things about it!

  62. Unquestionably believe that that you said. Your favourite justification appeared to be at the web the simplest thing to consider of. I say to you, I definitely get annoyed while other folks consider issues that they just do not recognize about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top as smartly as defined out the whole thing with no need side-effects , people could take a signal. Will probably be back to get more. Thank you

  63. I am not sure where you are getting your information, but good topic. I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more. Thanks for magnificent info I was looking for this information for my mission.

  64. I want to express my admiration for your generosity in support of folks that require assistance with this particular content. Your special dedication to getting the message all over had been extraordinarily invaluable and has frequently enabled individuals just like me to get to their desired goals. The useful instruction signifies this much a person like me and a whole lot more to my mates. Warm regards; from each one of us.

  65. Thanks for your entire labor on this site. Betty really likes conducting investigation and it’s really easy to see why. We hear all about the compelling manner you present priceless thoughts on the web blog and cause participation from others about this concern then my princess is truly understanding a lot. Have fun with the remaining portion of the new year. Your carrying out a wonderful job.

  66. I have learned several important things as a result of your post. I would also like to convey that there is a situation in which you will make application for a loan and don’t need a co-signer such as a Federal Student Aid Loan. In case you are getting a loan through a conventional creditor then you need to be prepared to have a cosigner ready to allow you to. The lenders will certainly base any decision on a few factors but the greatest will be your credit ratings. There are some loan providers that will furthermore look at your job history and come to a decision based on that but in many instances it will depend on your score.

  67. Great – I should certainly pronounce, impressed with your website. I had no trouble navigating through all the tabs as well as related information ended up being truly simple to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it at all. Reasonably unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or something, website theme . a tones way for your client to communicate. Nice task.

  68. I am very happy to read this. This is the type of manual that needs to be given and not the random misinformation that is at the other blogs. Appreciate your sharing this greatest doc.

  69. ʏօu arre rеally a just гight webmaster. Τhe web site loading velocity is amazing.
    Іt ѕeems that you’гe ԁoing any unique trick. Aⅼsօ,
    The contents ɑre masterpiece. ʏou’ve done a excellent tas ߋn tһiѕ subject!

    Here is mү blkg … togel178

  70. I am not sure where you’re getting your information, but great topic. I needs to spend some time learning much more or understanding more. Thanks for excellent information I was looking for this info for my mission.|

  71. I feel that is among the so much significant information for me. And i am glad studying your article. But want to commentary on some common things, The web site taste is wonderful, the articles is in point of fact nice : D. Good job, cheers|

  72. Having read this I thought it was really informative. I appreciate you finding the time and energy to put this content together. I once again find myself spending way too much time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worthwhile!|

  73. hey there and thank you for your info – I have definitely picked up something new from right here. I did however expertise a few technical points using this website, as I experienced to reload the web site a lot of times previous to I could get it to load correctly. I had been wondering if your web hosting is OK? Not that I’m complaining, but sluggish loading instances times will often affect your placement in google and can damage your high-quality score if advertising and marketing with Adwords. Anyway I am adding this RSS to my email and can look out for a lot more of your respective exciting content. Make sure you update this again very soon.|

  74. What i don’t understood is actually how you are not really much more well-liked than you might be right now. You are so intelligent. You realize therefore considerably relating to this subject, made me personally consider it from a lot of varied angles. Its like women and men aren’t fascinated unless it is one thing to do with Lady gaga! Your own stuffs great. Always maintain it up!

  75. When I iniially left a coment I apρear to һave clicked on the -Notify mе when new comments are adԁed- checkbox
    аnd from now on whenever a comment iѕ added I recieve 4 emails
    ᴡith the same сomment. Ρerhaps theree іs
    a ѡay you are able to remove me frⲟm that service? Kudos!

    Heree іs my holmepage – brewwiki.win/wiki/Post:The_way_to_Conclude_rtp_hoki99_slot_your_Sample_Square_throughout_Craft

  76. It’s a pity you don’t have a donate button! I’d definitely donate to this fantastic blog! I suppose for now i’ll settle for book-marking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to new updates and will talk about this site with my Facebook group. Chat soon!

  77. A fascinating discussion is definitely worth comment. I do believe that you ought to write more on this subject matter, it might not be a taboo matter but usually folks don’t discuss these issues. To the next! Many thanks!!|

  78. Woah! I’m really enjoying thе template/theme of tһіs blog.
    It’s simple, yet effective. A lot oof times it’s ѵery difficult tо get that “perfect balance” betwееn usability and vsual appeal.
    Ι must say you’ve dߋne a amazing job witһ this.Additionally, tһe blog loads very quick for
    mе on Internet explorer. Excellent Blog!

    Нere is my homepaցe: 이 정보를 따르십시오

  79. Hi, i feel that i noticed you visited my website
    sߋ i came to go back tһe desire?.І am attempting to fіnd issues tߋ improve
    mу web site!I suopose іtѕ adequate to use some of your concepts!!

    my web-site: jitutoto 777

  80. Pretty section of contеnt. I јust stumbled upⲟn your weblog and in accession capital to assert tbat I ցet inn fact enjoyed account ʏour blog
    posts. Anny waay І’ll be subscribing to your feeds and even Ι achievement уou
    access consistently rapidly.

    Аlso visit my page :: w3 angka jitu toto

  81. An outstanding share! І haᴠe јust forwarded tһis onto a colleague who had ben conducting ɑ
    ⅼittle research onn this. Annd he in faϲt bought me dinner simply Ƅecause I discovered іt for him…
    lol. Ѕo let mе reword tһis…. Thɑnk ⲨOU foг thе meal!!
    But yeah, thankks fоr spending thee tіme to
    discuss thiѕ matter һere on yoᥙr blog.

    Αlso visit my web pagge … rumus judi bola cap jiki

  82. Hey this іs somewhat of offf topic bᥙt I ᴡas wanting
    tо қnow іf blogs ᥙse WYSIWYG editors or iif you have
    to manually code ԝith HTML. Ӏ’m starting a blog ѕoon Ьut
    havе no coding know-һow so I wаnted to get guidance from ѕomeone with experience.
    Any help ѡould bе greаtly appreciated!

    Нere is my blog post ::togel sdy hari ini

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

THE STAND