The new approach could solve two major mysteries in cosmology.

In a new study, MIT physicists suggest that “early dark energy” could solve two major cosmological mysteries: the Hubble Voltage and the surprising number of bright galaxies in the early universe. The research opens up new avenues.

MIT Researchers: Solve Two Cosmology Mysteries

The study, published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, addresses two central cosmic mysteries: the “Hubble tension,” a discrepancy between different measurements of the universe’s expansion rate, and the surprise discovery of many bright galaxies in the early universe by the James Webb Space Telescope.

To solve these problems, the researchers propose “early dark energy” — a hypothetical, short-lived force that may have influenced the early expansion of the universe. “There are two looming, unsolved mysteries,” explains Rohan Naidoo, a co-author of the study. “We have found that early dark energy is actually an elegant and highly effective solution to two of the most pressing problems in cosmology.”

To test their theory, the MIT scientists developed an experimental model of early galaxy formation. They then incorporated a model of early dark energy that resolves the Hubble tension. The results showed that this additional component favored the formation of larger dark matter halos—regions of increased gravity where matter accumulates and acts as the “skeleton” of the universe—and brighter galaxies at earlier times.

This research could have far-reaching implications for our understanding of cosmic evolution. “We have demonstrated the potential of early dark energy as a unified solution to two major problems in cosmology,” the team concludes in Publishing Together. The researchers plan to incorporate their findings into larger cosmological simulations to make more detailed predictions.

The study is also attracting interest from outside experts. “I didn’t expect that the abundance of bright early galaxies observed by the James Webb Space Telescope had anything to do with early dark energy,” says Mark Kamionkowski, a professor of theoretical physics at Johns Hopkins University who was not involved in the study. “I think more work will be needed to establish a connection between early galaxies and early dark energy, but regardless of the outcome, it’s a smart—and hopefully ultimately fruitful—attempt.”

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