What do we mean by The known universe
The known universe refers to the vast expanse of space, matter, and energy that we can observe and measure using modern astronomical tools and theories. It encompasses all celestial bodies such as stars, galaxies, planets, and nebulae, as well as invisible components like dark matter and dark energy, which significantly influence the universe's structure and expansion. The observable universe extends approximately 93 billion light-years in diameter, defined by the distance that light has traveled since the Big Bang, which occurred around 13.8 billion years ago (Princeton University, 2023; NASA, 2023).
Recent observations from advanced telescopes like the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have expanded our understanding of the universe, uncovering ancient galaxies, supermassive black holes, and intricate structures like the cosmic web. This web consists of filaments of gas and dark matter connecting galaxy clusters, which formed shortly after the Big Bang and continue to influence cosmic evolution (Live Science, 2023).
The known universe is shaped by fundamental forces such as gravity, electromagnetic forces, and quantum phenomena. Current cosmological theories, including the Big Bang model and Einstein's general relativity, provide a framework for understanding the universe's origin, expansion, and fate. However, mysteries such as the nature of dark matter, dark energy, and the possibility of multiverses remain active areas of research (ScienceDaily, 2023).
In essence, the known universe represents the boundary of human knowledge about the cosmos, defined by the limits of our observational and theoretical tools, which continue to evolve with advancements in technology and scientific inquiry.
References:
Live Science. (2023). 8 stunning James Webb Space Telescope discoveries made in 2023. Retrieved December 10, 2024, from https://www.livescience.com.
NASA. (2023). Universe. Retrieved December 10, 2024, from https://www.nasa.gov.
Princeton University. (2023). New findings that map the universe's cosmic growth support Einstein's theory of gravity. ScienceDaily. Retrieved December 10, 2024, from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/04/230411105938.htm.
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