Recent observations from the Atacama Cosmology Telescope (ACT) have provided new data on the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB), the afterglow of the Big Bang. These findings, released on November 12, 2024, enhance our understanding of the universe's early moments and its subsequent evolution.
The ACT team measured minute fluctuations in the CMB across a broad spectrum of wavelengths. This data reveals insights into the density and distribution of dark matter and energy, which constitute approximately 95% of the universe. The results indicate a more detailed structure of the early universe than previously understood.
Key measurements include the CMB's temperature fluctuations and polarization patterns, which are critical for understanding cosmic inflation—a rapid expansion of the universe immediately after the Big Bang. The study suggests that the inflationary period was more complex than earlier models proposed.
These findings have significant implications for cosmology, potentially refining models of the universe's formation and evolution. The ACT's advanced observational capabilities allow for a clearer picture of the universe's infancy, paving the way for future research into dark matter and energy.