Cosmic strings: topological defects of space-time

At the heart of contemporary cosmology research are the cosmic strings, these hypothetical narrow-dimensional objects capable of revealing previously unsuspected aspects of the primitive universe. Appearing in the first moments following the Big Bang, they represent topological defects in the very fabric of spacetime, creating a kind of deformed scar on a cosmic scale. Their … Read more

Quark stars: exotic matter at extreme density

Quark stars embody one of the most fascinating mysteries of contemporary astrophysics. These celestial bodies, intriguing and enigmatic, defy the classical laws of matter under conditions where extreme density pushes the limits of nuclear physics. Composed not of isolated neutrons but of a dense sea of deconfined quarks, these stars represent an exotic form of … Read more

The multiverse theory: do parallel universes exist?

Beyond the borders of our observable Universe, a fundamental question challenges modern physics: are we alone in our reality or do we belong to a much larger ensemble called the multiverse? For a long time, this subject has inspired both cosmologists and science fiction enthusiasts, fueling a growing fascination around the possibility of parallel universes. … Read more

Cosmic inflation: the blistering expansion of the early universe

Cosmic inflation unveils a fascinating chapter in the history of the primitive universe, marking a period of frenzied expansion that precedes the formation of cosmic structures such as galaxies and star clusters. This theory, initially formulated in 1980 by physicist Alan Guth, offers a compelling explanation for several enigmas of the standard cosmological model, including … Read more

The primordial nucleosynthesis: formation of the first chemical elements

At the heart of the first minutes of the Universe, a decisive phenomenon took place, marking the origin of matter as we know it today: primordial nucleosynthesis. This brief but intense period allowed the initial formation of light atomic nuclei, notably hydrogen, helium, and lithium. The story of this cosmic alchemy dives into an expanding … Read more

The cosmic microwave background: the echo of the Big Bang in the universe

The cosmic microwave background (CMB) presents itself as an almost perfect and captivating imprint of what the Universe was like in its early moments, a true echo of the Big Bang enveloping the cosmos. This incessant radiation, invisible to the naked eye, has traversed nearly 14 billion years of expansion to provide us with crucial … Read more

X-ray binaries: stellar systems that emit X-rays

The X binary systems captivate attention due to their exceptional ability to emit powerful X-rays, produced by complex cosmic interactions between binary stars. These stellar pairs, consisting of a regular star and a compact star such as a neutron star or a black hole, wonderfully illustrate the extreme and dynamic phenomena that shape our universe. … Read more

Millisecond pulsars: the most precise clocks in the universe

Since the discovery of pulsars, these rapidly rotating neutron stars that emit periodic radio impulses, humanity has found in these celestial objects one of the most fascinating astrophysical phenomena. Among them, millisecond pulsars stand out for their unique ability to combine extreme rapid rotation and unparalleled temporal precision, rivaling even the most sophisticated atomic clocks … Read more

Ultra-high-energy cosmic rays: origin of these mysterious particles

Since their discovery in the early 20th century, cosmic rays fascinate both by their nature and by the incredible energy they carry. These extragalactic particles, traveling through the universe at speeds close to that of light, reach extreme energies that challenge the capabilities of accelerators built on Earth. This natural phenomenon raises fundamental questions in … Read more

Gravitational lenses: Einstein predicted the curvature of light

The mysterious gravitational lenses stand out as one of the most fascinating confirmations of Einstein’s theories, opening a new window on the deep structure of the universe. By distorting the light from distant stars, these phenomena provide modern cosmology with a powerful tool to probe dark matter and explore the evolution of galaxies. This deflection … Read more