Final Project
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Southern New Hampshire University *
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200
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Astronomy
Date
Dec 6, 2023
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7-1 FINAL PROJECT
For my project I chose a news article about astronomers discovering a new link between dark
matter and the clumpiness of the universe. Researchers recently revealed a theoretical
breakthrough that could explain both the nature of invisible dark matter and the large-scale
structure of our universe. This is also known as the cosmic web. The results have established a
new link between the two longstanding problems in astronomy, opening new possibilities for
understanding the cosmos.
I am an avid fan of anything about astrology. However, I have not researched this subject yet. I
am interested in further expanding my knowledge on exactly how axions, dark matter, and light
make such a difference in space. I am also interested in learning exactly how dark matter is so
important to the makeup of the universe.
Further research on this subject will allow us to understand the origin of the universe, its
evolution and determine its future. Studying dark matter can bring completely new knowledge
and concepts to light that we had no idea about. Dark matter is constructed out of particles that
do not draw in, mirror, or release light. Therefore, they cannot be seen directly or be detected by
observing electromagnetic radiation. Scientists know that dark matter exists because of the effect
it has on objects that can be observed directly. To study dark matter more thoroughly, researchers
use large, sensitive detectors located deep underground to directly search for the particles that
may continually pass through Earth. Researchers can also detect dark matter indirectly through
signatures in cosmic and gamma rays.
In this article Toronto Scientists examined the remnants of light from the Big Bang, that are
known as background microwave radiation. Next, they used a sky survey known as the Baryon
Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (BOSS); it contains data on the exact location of about a
million galaxies. Finally, they modeled what the distribution of galaxies and the relic radiation
would be like if dark matter consisted of exceptionally light particles, which corresponded to
extremely long waves, and they completely coincided with what the observers saw. This is what
we would observe if dark matter consisted of axions.
Physicists describe these particles as
“fuzzy” since they exhibit wave properties much more than other “units of matter.” The waves
that correspond to them may have a length comparable to the size of galaxies, and this may
explain why the Universe is so uniform. (
Burlaka 2023).
While researching this subject further, I had a couple questions based on what I already knew
and what I wanted to learn more of. The first question that came to mind was, “
How do scientists
observe the effects of dark matter other than seeing that the expansion of the universe is
accelerating?” The second question I had was “If dark matter is invisible, how do we really know
it even exists in the universe?” The former is the question I decided to choose for expanding my
knowledge in this project to the fullest.
I quite frequently follow updated news of everything in outer space exploration, so the choice to
research the subject for this term was an easy one. The benefits of space exploration far outweigh
the dangers of it. I am always curious to learn about the new ways scientists further develop
technology to observe the Universe. This growing industry is utilizing emerging technologies,
including 5G advanced satellite systems, 3D printing, big data, and quantum computing to
upgrade operations in space. I have so many questions about both dark matter and energy when it
comes to space exploration, because those two things are so hard to measure since they are
invisible.
Understanding the nature of dark matter is one of the most pressing fundamental questions and
key to understanding the origin and future of the universe. The group of Toronto Scientists
studying this subject were led by a man named, Keir K. Rogers. "We have the tools now that
could enable us to finally understand something experimentally about the century-old mystery of
dark matter, even in the next decade or so -- and that could give us hints to answers about even
bigger theoretical questions," says Rogers. "The hope is that the puzzling elements of the
universe are solvable."
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One ethical issue I found relating to my chosen news story is on how we should value space. As
humans, should we care about how we are affecting the universe around us with our research?
Some argue that how we ought to value the universe depends on two other questions. Question
one “Is there life we may discover elsewhere?” and two “For planets that do not harbor
hospitable life, what value should we place on those environments?” This is an ethical issue that
can relate to about every scientific study conducted in our world honestly. Exploration of dark
matter has resulted in new technological advances that could be altering many other things in
space that we cannot see. There are a lot of risks and uncertainties with research of the universe.
We do not always know what benefits and rewards missions to explore space have.
The evidence that Dark Matter is real is overwhelming. Unfortunately, because it is so hard to
detect, what damage are we really doing in interacting with it? Many physicists have theorized
that because numerous experiments to find Dark Matter have failed, that our observations on
gravity need modified and updated. Our constant experiments in space could eventually initiate a
series of events that lead to geological cataclysms or even mass extinction. Most scientists
believe that the numerous benefits to space exploration have far outweighed the risks. The
expansion of our knowledge on space has helped in learning how to defend our planet from
threats in space, generating new medical innovations, finding resources for energy/fuel, and
potentially leading to colonization of other planets in the future. Humanity can respect and value
space making investments in its research worthwhile.
Using the Scientific Lens in everyday life can help you to observe and measure events, look for
patterns and connections, ask questions and make hypotheses, and test your hypotheses through
experimentation or further observation of things.
Paul Gilding, the author of the video “The
Earth is Full,” is an independent writer, activist, and adviser on having a sustainable economy. In
the video he suggests we have used up all our resources, and the possibility of devastating
consequences, in a talk that's equal parts terrifying and, oddly, hopeful.
Recently I started
researching more into self-sustainability, ever since we moved into a bigger house. I have always
been into the idea of wanting that someday for my home, but never had the proper space or
technology for it. Using the scientific lens can help with the process of converting over to this by
knowing and understanding the impact it can make on society overall. Adapting and shifting
your mindset to be more self-sufficient can improve your health, decrease your stress, and
become more resilient to life’s challenges.
Being a scientifically informed citizen within your community is important because it allows you
to contribute to the economic growth around you, make informed decisions involving
technology, engage in civic activities, and promote public understanding and engagement of the
sciences. Without a sturdy understanding of the sciences and their implications on our daily lives,
we cannot respond intelligently to others nor hold our society accountable for public decisions
that could affect us.
Citizens need to be scientifically literate to understand issues that are detrimental to our society,
make informed choices on political issues, and make educated judgments. Paul says in his video,
“Now we have had 50 years of warnings. We have had science proving the urgency of change.
We have had economic analysis pointing out that not only can we afford it, but it is also cheaper
to act early. And yet, the reality is we have done nothing to change course. We are not even
slowing down. Last year on climate, for example, we had the highest global emissions ever. The
story on food, on water, on soil, on climate is all much the same.” When misunderstanding of
science and a willingness to believe scientific misinformation affects not only individual welfare,
but also key government policies that affect everyone, a new systemic educational approach is
needed. If we have more scientifically educated citizens more rational opinions can be made to
help support and inform others of critical US policies and decisions.
RESOURCES:
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Adler, R. W. A. (2020, February 29). Why we need “Science Citizens.” Scientific American Blog
Network. https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/observations/why-we-need-science-citizens/
Gilding, P. (n.d.). The Earth is full [Video]. TED Talks.
https://www.ted.com/talks/paul_gilding_the_earth_is_full/transcript?language=en
Josslyn Johnstone. (2023, June 23). Astronomers discover a new link between dark matter and
clumpiness of the universe. ScienceDaily.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/06/230614220651.htm
Kathleen Lodl. Mark Balschweid. Mary Garbacz. (n.d.). What is Science Literacy and Why is it
Important? | Strategic Discussions for Nebraska.
https://sdn.unl.edu/article/what-science-literacy-
and-why-it-important
Liz Fuller Wright. (2023, April 3). How to see the invisible: Using the dark matter distribution to
test our cosmological model. Princeton University.
https://www.princeton.edu/news/2023/04/03/how-see-invisible-using-dark-matter-distribution-
test-our-cosmological-model