Scientists could soon test Einstein’s theory of general relativity by measuring the distortion of time. According to new research published June 22 in the journal Nature Astronomy, the newly proposed method turns the edge of space and time into a vast cosmic lab to investigate if general relativity can account for dark matter — a mysterious, invisible form of matter that can only be inferred by its gravitational influence on the universe’s visible matter and energy — as well as the accelerating expansion of the universe due to dark energy. The method is ready to be…
Read MoreMonth: July 2023
Artemis 2 astronaut Jeremy Hansen says a Canadian will walk on the moon one day
Canada’s Artemis 2 astronaut says his country is just getting started in lunar realms with his round-the-moon mission. Jeremy Hansen was named Canada’s representative on Artemis 2 on on April 3, and within days the experienced test pilot found himself exploring new worlds as a result: speaking with Stephen Colbert, walking the red carpet at Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, participating in an Indigenous vision quest, visiting policy-makers in Canada and the U.S., and carrying the flag at the coronation of Charles III. After this work to connect with…
Read MoreSee Europe’s powerful new Ariane 6 rocket on launch pad (photo)
The European Space Agency (ESA) shared a new view of the Ariane 6 rocket on its launch pad ahead of engine tests this month. A new photo shared on June 23 shows ESA’s heavy-lift Ariane 6 rocket on the launch pad at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. It is the first view of Ariane 6 standing vertically on its launch pad. The rocket has been in development since the early 2010s, and is intended to replace the Ariane 5 launch vehicle, providing customers lower-cost access to space. This view of…
Read MoreSpaceX rocket launches Euclid space telescope to map the ‘dark universe’ like never before (video)
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — A SpaceX rocket launched a new space telescope into orbit Saturday (July 1) on a mission to map the “dark universe” like never before. The European Space Agency observatory, called Euclid, soared to space today aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket at 11:11 a.m. EDT (1511 GMT) from Space Launch Complex 40 here at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Spectators here at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex cheered and applauded as the Falcon 9 booster carried Euclid aloft, with the first stage handily…
Read MoreWho is the Euclid ‘dark universe’ space telescope named after?
Scientists are about to get a new tool to uncover some of the most elusive mysteries of our universe. The European Space Agency’s Euclid mission, which is set to launch on July 1, is designed to study the so-called “dark universe.” This is how scientists refer to the more mysterious components of the cosmos, namely dark matter and dark energy. To do so, this cutting-edge mission will employ some of the principles of geometry laid down by its ancient Greek namesake, the mathematician Euclid of Alexandria. But who exactly was…
Read MoreWe have never seen dark matter and dark energy. Why do we think they exist?
Scientists think that only about 5% of the stuff that makes up the universe is known to us. Yes, you are reading that right. Cosmological models show that invisible energy and matter must make up a combined 95% of the universe for it to work according to existing theories. The invisible part of the universe consists of two components, dark energy and dark matter. The latter is somewhat less mysterious and scientists are fairly certain of its existence: The rules of gravity simply wouldn’t work without it. Galaxies as we…
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