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The document discusses the origins of the universe through the Big Bang and the concept of dark matter, which makes up 90% of a galaxy's mass and influences cosmic structure and fate. It explores the search for dark matter candidates, detection techniques, and cosmological modeling, highlighting the contributions of scientists like Vera Rubin and Carlos Frenk. The universe's fate is debated between continued expansion or collapse, with current data favoring indefinite expansion.

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9 views1 page

Notes

The document discusses the origins of the universe through the Big Bang and the concept of dark matter, which makes up 90% of a galaxy's mass and influences cosmic structure and fate. It explores the search for dark matter candidates, detection techniques, and cosmological modeling, highlighting the contributions of scientists like Vera Rubin and Carlos Frenk. The universe's fate is debated between continued expansion or collapse, with current data favoring indefinite expansion.

Uploaded by

qtmartinez79
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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1.

The Big Bang and Cosmic Origins


The universe began with the Big Bang, characterized by an intensely hot and dense state. The ongoing
expansion raises questions about whether the universe will expand indefinitely or collapse back due to
gravitational forces.

2. Dark Matter Discovery


• Vera Rubin’s Observations:
• Noticed that stars in galaxies rotate at uniform speeds, contradicting expectations based on visible
matter alone.
• Coined the term "dark matter" to explain this phenomenon, inferring that 90% of a galaxy’s mass is
unseen.

3. The Role of Dark Matter


• Envelops galaxies, influencing their structure and movement.
• Acts as a key factor in determining the universe’s fate (e.g., continued expansion or eventual collapse).
• Provides the gravitational framework for forming stars, galaxies, and galaxy clusters.

4. Searching for Dark Matter


• Candidates:
• MACHOs (Massive Compact Halo Objects): Failed stars, black holes, and other celestial remnants.
• WIMPs (Weakly Interacting Massive Particles): Hypothetical particles with minimal interaction with
regular matter.
• Neutrinos: Subatomic particles with potential mass, produced during the Big Bang.
• Detection Techniques:
• Gravitational lensing: Observing light bending due to massive objects.
• Underground experiments: Shielded facilities searching for particle interactions.

5. Cosmological Modeling and Simulations


• Carlos Frenk’s Contributions:
• Simulated the universe’s evolution from its early stages.
• Introduced "cold dark matter" in models, aligning with observed cosmic structures.
• Sandra Faber’s Mapping:
• Charted large•scale cosmic structures, revealing galaxies forming along walls with vast voids in
between.

6. The Universe’s Fate


• Determined by the balance between dark matter and dark energy:
• Big Freeze: Expansion continues indefinitely, leading to a cold, empty universe.
• Big Crunch: Gravitational forces reverse the expansion, collapsing the universe back.
• Current data suggests indefinite expansion is the most likely scenario.

7. Societal and Scientific Implications


• The search for dark matter represents one of the greatest challenges in modern physics.
• Understanding dark matter and its influence may reveal the ultimate destiny of the cosmos.
• Advances in technology and interdisciplinary collaboration are essential to unravel these mysteries.

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