Space Time with Ulrich Walter: Mysteries of the Universe
May 10, 2024
Space Time with Ulrich Walter: Mysteries of the Universe
Introduction
Humans have always been fascinated by the universe, raising questions about what lies beyond, how everything came into existence, and where we come from.
Ulrich Walter, an astronaut and scientist, guides through the incredible aspects waiting in space, including dark matter and dark energy.
Dark Matter and Dark Energy
Dark Matter: Invisible, permeates everything, leaves no trace.
Contributes to the universe's structure, holding galaxies together despite comprising only about 25% of the universe.
Dark Energy: Mysterious force accounting for ~70% of the universe, responsible for its accelerated expansion post-Big Bang.
Both are unseen forces significantly impacting the universe's evolution, yet largely unfound and not understood.
The Universe's Structure
About 2 million galaxies, each with around 100 billion stars, exist in the visible universe.
Despite this, there's an eerie void in space.
Modern cosmology traces back to the universe's beginnings, seeking the blueprint of everything.
Black Holes
2019 Breakthrough: First photograph of a black hole's shadow, showcasing gravitational monsters that trap everything, including light.
Black holes challenge our understanding of physics with their immense gravity.
Galactic Center: The center of our galaxy, the Milky Way, houses a supermassive black hole, influencing star movements and potentially being a significant component of dark matter.
The Search for Planet Nine
Astronomers suggest a ninth planet might exist within our Solar System, influencing the orbits of outer celestial bodies.
Its potential as a small black hole raises further mysteries in cosmic research.
Understanding Dark Matter and Dark Energy
Dark Matter: Essential for the cosmic structure's integrity but remains undetected directly.
Dark Energy: A fundamental energy believed to be pushing the universe apart, yet its true nature is uncertain.
Future Explorations
Various missions and telescopes aim to uncover more about dark matter and dark energy, potentially revolutionizing our understanding of the cosmos.
Despite advancements, the majority of the universe remains a mystery, challenging our perceptions and theories about space and time.
Conclusion
Dark matter and dark energy encapsulate some of the largest mysteries of our universe.
Scientists continue their quest to unveil these enigmatic forces, holding the key to comprehending the universe's full extent.