Scientists say a new 3D map raises questions about the future of the universe

Scientists have unveiled the largest 3D map of the universe ever, featuring more than 6 million galaxies, saying it raises questions about the nature of dark energy and the future of the universe.

The map is based on data collected by the Dark Energy Analyzer (Desi) instrument in Arizona, and contains three times the number of galaxies than previous efforts, many of which have had their distances measured for the first time.

The researchers said that using this map, they can measure with unprecedented accuracy how quickly the universe expanded at different times in the past.

They added that the results confirm that the expansion of the universe is accelerating. However, the results also raised the possibility that dark energy – a mysterious and repulsive force driving the process – is not as constant over time as previously known.

Professor Carlos Frenk, from Durham University and co-author of the research, said that if dark energy is indeed constant over time, then the future of the universe is simple: it will expand continuously, forever.But this, according to new indicators, is controversial.

“Now that's all over and we have to start from scratch, and that means we have to revise our understanding of fundamental physics, our understanding of the Big Bang itself, and our understanding of long-term prediction of the universe.” He added that the new evidence leaves open the possibility that the universe is going through a “big crisis.”

The research has been published in a series of pre-publications – Which means it has not yet been peer-reviewed – reveals how the team first created a 3D map and then measured patterns in the distribution of galaxies associated with sound waves that occurred in the early universe, known as acoustic baryon oscillations.

With information from The Guardian