The Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) has made notable strides in exploring the universe's structure over the past 11 billion years, providing confirmation of Einstein's general theory of relativity on a cosmic scale.

Testing Cosmic Growth and Gravity with DESI

A new study using data from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) has mapped cosmic structure growth over 11 billion years, providing the most precise test of gravity on large scales. The research confirmed that gravity behaves as predicted by Einstein’s general relativity, strengthening the current model of the universe and placing tighter constraints on alternative gravity theories, especially those linked to dark energy. DESI's global team of over 900 researchers, led by Berkeley Lab, contributed to this groundbreaking work.

Figure 1. DESI Maps 6 Million Galaxies, Confirming Einstein's Relativity

Testing Einstein’s Theory on a Cosmic Scale

A new study led by Pauline Zarrouk from CNRS tested Einstein's general relativity at cosmic scales, confirming its predictions by examining galaxy formation. The research also provided tighter constraints on the mass of neutrinos, indicating that their combined mass should be below 0.071 eV/c², further narrowing the range for neutrino masses. Figure 1 shows DESI Maps 6 Million Galaxies, Confirming Einstein's Relativity.

In-depth Analysis Using DESI Data

The DESI collaboration has released new results based on nearly 6 million galaxies and quasars, offering a detailed view of the universe up to 11 billion years ago. This analysis builds on DESI's first-year data, surpassing previous measurements of cosmic structure growth. The study, which includes a "full-shape analysis" to examine galaxy distribution at various scales, expands on earlier findings related to dark energy and baryon acoustic oscillations (BAO). These results mark a significant step forward in testing gravity theories and dark energy models, with more discoveries anticipated.

Exploring Dark Matter and Future Prospects

DESI is a cutting-edge instrument capable of capturing light from 5,000 galaxies at once. Funded by the DOE Office of Science, it operates on the Nicholas U. Mayall 4-meter Telescope at Kitt Peak National Observatory, under NSF NOIRLab. The survey, now in its fourth year, aims to collect data on 40 million galaxies and quasars by its conclusion.

Currently, the team is analyzing data from the first three years and plans to release updated findings on dark energy and the universe's expansion in spring 2025. The latest results reinforce the possibility of evolving dark energy, heightening anticipation for the upcoming analysis.

"Dark matter accounts for about 25% of the universe, and dark energy makes up roughly 70%, yet we still don't fully understand either," said Mark Maus, a PhD student at Berkeley Lab and UC Berkeley who contributed to the theory and validation modeling pipelines for the new analysis. "The idea that we can take pictures of the universe and tackle these fundamental questions is truly awe-inspiring."

DESI receives support from the DOE Office of Science, the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center, and several other organizations, including the U.S. National Science Foundation and the Science and Technology Facilities Council in the UK. The project is also backed by institutions in Spain, Mexico, and France, as well as several private foundations.

The DESI team is honored to conduct its scientific research on I’oligam Du’ag (Kitt Peak), a site of deep cultural significance to the Tohono O’odham Nation.

Source: SciTechDaily

Cite this article:

Janani R (2024), DESI Tests Einstein’s Relativity Across 11 Billion Years of the Cosmos, AnaTechmaz, pp. 136