AUSTRALIA: Scientists have unveiled a groundbreaking discovery, shedding new light on the nature of time in the early universe. According to a study published in the journal Nature Astronomy, time appears to run five times slower in the early universe, confirming Einstein’s theory of relativity.
This phenomenon was verified for the first time using quasars, the brightest and most powerful objects known to exist in the cosmos, as “clocks.”
The research, led by Geraint Lewis, an astrophysicist at the University of Sydney, and co-authored by University of Auckland statistician Brendon Brewer, provides a significant advancement in our understanding of the universe’s evolution.
Einstein’s theory of relativity predicts that due to the expansion of space, distant regions of the universe will appear to move in slow motion. Time moved twice as slowly when the universe was just half as old, according to earlier research that used observations of supernovas as cosmic clocks.
However, the latest research delves even deeper into the past, utilizing quasars to peer further into the history of our 13.8 billion-year-old universe.
Quasars, which are powered by supermassive black holes located at the centers of distant galaxies, have long captivated astronomers with their immense brightness and energy. They act as beacons, illuminating vast regions of the universe and offering unique insights into its structure and behavior.
To measure this phenomenon known as cosmological time dilation, the scientists meticulously analyzed data from an extensive collection of 190 quasars amassed over two decades. This vast dataset was critical in enabling them to succeed where previous attempts had fallen short.
Brendon Brewer highlighted the significance of this achievement, stating, “Previous efforts to use quasars as cosmic clocks had encountered challenges and led to some strange suggestions. But our research puts everything back in the right place and confirms that Einstein’s predictions hold true.”
The process of turning quasars into precise markers of time required overcoming a daunting task. The researchers had to interpret the turbulent explosions that occur when supermassive black holes consume surrounding material.
Comparing it to watching a fireworks display, Geraint Lewis explained that seemingly random flashes of light from the quasars hide underlying patterns that can be deciphered to establish their reliability as time indicators.
According to the results of this study, the early universe’s time flowed five times slower than it did just over a billion years after the Big Bang. It is crucial to note, however, that this perceived time dilation does not imply any difference in the actual experience of time for beings in those distant regions.
While the research uncovers fascinating aspects of the universe’s history, it also serves as a testament to the advancements in our understanding of astrophysics.
These insights not only confirm the validity of Einstein’s theories but also provide a deeper comprehension of the fundamental nature of space and time.
Also Read: Scientists Discover the Theory behind the Evolution of Universe’s First Quasar
