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Cosmologists 'see' the cosmic dawn

Researchers at Durham University's Institute for Computational Cosmology created simulations to predict galaxy formation and dark matter effects. The work aims to improve understanding of dark matter, a mysterious substance making up 80% of the Universe's mass.

SourceDurham University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateFeb 10, 2009

Listening to dark matter

A team of researchers in Canada has made a breakthrough in detecting dark matter by identifying a significant difference between acoustic signals induced by neutrons and alpha particles. This discovery could lead to improved background suppression in dark matter searches using this type of detector.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateOct 16, 2008

Utah steps into the heavens

The University of Utah is joining the third Sloan Digital Sky Survey to map distant galaxies, understand galaxy evolution, and discover planets with suitable environments for life. The survey will also help scientists test theories about dark energy and explore the mysteries of the universe.

Ultra-dense galaxies found in early universe

Astronomers find nine young, compact galaxies with masses of 200 billion times the Sun's, each only 5,000 light-years across. These ultra-dense galaxies formed 11 billion years ago and are thought to be building blocks for today's largest galaxies.

SourceYale University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateApr 29, 2008

UBC astronomer produces first detailed map of dark matter in a supercluster

For the first time, astronomers have directly visualized the distribution of dark matter in a supercluster, allowing for the detection of irregular clumps and detailed shapes. This breakthrough study, led by UBC researcher Catherine Heymans, uses NASA's Hubble Space Telescope to map the Abell 901/902 supercluster.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJan 10, 2008

Were the first stars dark?

A new study suggests that the universe's first stars were dark, invisible 'dark stars' powered by dark matter. These massive stars could be billions of years old and would generate gamma rays, neutrinos, and antimatter.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 2, 2007

Scientists solve cosmological puzzle

Researchers solved a longstanding problem of the Cold Dark Matter cosmology model by exposing a critical relationship between interstellar gas and dark matter in galaxy birth. The study showed that dense gas clouds in galaxies form massive stars, which drive 'sloshing' effects that kick dark matter out of the galaxy's center.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalScience·DateNov 29, 2007

The first 3-D map of the universe

Researchers used COSMOS field data to measure large-scale distribution of matter, revealing concentration of luminous and dark matter. The 3D map provides insight into the formation and evolution of galaxies and may shed light on dark energy.

SourceCNRS·DateMar 3, 2007

Far away galaxy under the microscope

Scientists have discovered large, rotating disc galaxies that formed on a rapid time scale, just 3 billion years after the Big Bang. These findings reveal unprecedented details about the anatomy of these distant proto-disc galaxies, including their gas motions and star formation rates.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateAug 16, 2006

Substructure maps show that dark matter clumps in galaxies

A Yale astronomer and her colleagues used gravitational lensing techniques to create a spatial map demonstrating the clumped substructure of dark matter inside galaxy clusters. The study found an excellent agreement between observations and theoretical predictions, supporting the concordance model.

SourceYale University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJan 6, 2005

Highway of WIMPs may solve cosmic mystery

A study suggests that debris from the gobbled-up Sagittarius dwarf galaxy may be 'smoking gun' for detecting dark matter's WIMPs. The combination of WIMPs from the Milky Way and Sagittarius could produce a distinct pattern on the DAMA detector, confirming their existence.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 22, 2004