Unexpected Galaxy String in the Early Universe
Explanation:
How could such a long string of galaxies form so early in the universe?
Several
new measurements of galaxies and clusters in the
early universe are reporting structures involving
galaxies and
clusters
that are larger than expected with the
new standard "dark-energy" cosmology.
The controversy centers on the inability of a
dark-energy dominated universe to create such large structures.
Fans of the
old standard cosmology -- without weird but pervasive
dark energy --
are hoping that these new measurements rule out the newly popular strange universe.
Previously, however, data taken from several
independent sources
over the past few years has only appeared to
bolster the bold new universe paradigm.
A compromise is still possible if the
new data is
not typical or if the
comparison computer simulations are not properly
biased.
Pictured above is a computer-generated illustration of a universe
that shows a string of galaxies of the size measured.
The size of the superimposed box is about 300 million
light years on a side.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
