Astronomers have long sought the origin of the universe's pervasive magnetic fields. New research indicates these fields likely originated in the early cosmos.
These magnetic fields are found throughout the universe, from galaxies to vast cosmic structures. They are incredibly weak but span enormous distances, posing a mystery for scientists.
Researchers in Italy studied magnetic fields within the filaments of the cosmic web. They compared measurements with simulations to understand the fields' origins.
The study, soon to be published in the journal *Universe*, suggests the fields were stronger in the early universe. This points to an exotic mechanism in the early cosmos as their source.
The findings challenge theories that attribute the fields to later astrophysical phenomena. The next step is to pinpoint the exact mechanism responsible for these primordial magnetic fields.