A recent study published in Physical Review Letters reveals discrepancies between observational data and the standard cosmological model of the universe's evolution, suggesting the need for new physics.
Astrophysicists analyzed large-scale structures, such as galaxy clusters, and found inconsistencies in the formation of cosmic structures. The Lambda-CDM model, which describes the universe's development over 13.8 billion years, includes cold dark matter, ordinary matter, radiation, and a cosmological constant associated with dark energy.
While the Lambda-CDM model has successfully explained many cosmic observations, it fails to account for cosmic inflation, the nature of dark energy, and dark matter. Recent observations indicate anomalous phenomena inconsistent with this model.
The new findings highlighted discrepancies in direct and indirect measurements of the universe's expansion rate, as well as in the accumulation of matter necessary for large-scale structure formation. Additionally, there are indications that dark energy may not remain constant over long periods.
The analysis showed that the growth of cosmic structures is occurring at a slower rate than predicted by the standard model. However, no evidence was found to support changes in dark energy, suggesting it remains a cosmological constant.
Concerning the universe's expansion rate, the data does not align with local measurements, indicating a difference at vast distances. Astrophysicists noted a significant issue: the slower growth of cosmic structures in the late universe compared to the early universe, which cannot be explained by the presumed constancy of dark energy.
The likelihood that the slower growth of cosmic structures is a random occurrence is approximately 1 in 300,000, implying that an unexplained phenomenon may indicate the existence of new physics.
This could relate to the mysterious nature of dark matter, possibly composed of hypothetical axion particles, or suggest interactions between dark matter and ordinary matter beyond gravity. Such explanations may clarify the observed slow growth of large-scale structures.
The study's results challenge current understandings of cosmic structure formation and the standard cosmological model. Astrophysicists emphasize the need for further data to clarify whether existing models require revision.