Baryonic asymmetry: why does matter dominate antimatter?

Baryonic asymmetry remains one of the most profound enigmas of contemporary physics. Our observable universe is almost exclusively made up of matter, whereas particle physics predicts an initially symmetric universe, where matter and antimatter should have appeared in equal quantities. This matter-antimatter imbalance raises fundamental questions about the origin of the matter that makes up … Read more

Quantum gravity: how to quantify space-time?

Loop quantum gravity revolutionizes contemporary understanding of the fundamental structure of the universe by proposing a precise quantization of space-time, where general relativity confronts the limits of continuity. This theory, which relies on an innovative approach blending quantum mechanics with the geometric description of the universe, questions the very nature of the cosmic fabric. It … Read more

Cosmological entropy and information

The cosmological entropy is at the heart of modern astrophysical research, promoting a deeper understanding of the growing disorder that structures the Universe. For over a century, this notion, intimately linked to the second law of thermodynamics, has prompted physicists to ponder the ultimate fate of the cosmos. Today, advances in quantum cosmology, particularly through … Read more

High-Energy Gamma Astronomy

Very high energy gamma rays play a crucial role in understanding the most extreme and violent astrophysical phenomena in the Universe. This electromagnetic radiation, the most energetic known, is emitted by cosmic objects such as pulsars, supernova remnants, and relativistic jets. Recent studies conducted from observatories like HAWC or large ground-based telescopes now allow us … Read more

Quark-gluon plasma: the state of matter in the first moments

The quark-gluon plasma represents one of the most fascinating enigmas of particle physics, capturing the attention of researchers aiming to uncover the mysteries of the primordial universe. This state of matter, existing at extreme temperatures and densities, allows for probing the fundamental composition of matter even before classical particles such as protons and neutrons exist … Read more

The CP violation: why is there matter-antimatter asymmetry in the universe?

In the vastness of the observable universe, a paradox arises for physicists: why does matter dominate antimatter when the fundamental laws of physics seem to favor an almost perfect symmetry between the two? This cosmic imbalance, called matter-antimatter asymmetry, has intrigued particle physics specialists for decades. At the heart of this enigma, CP violation appears … Read more

Multi-messenger astronomy: gravitational waves

In brief : The fundamentals and the revolution initiated by the detection of gravitational waves Traditional astronomy primarily relies on the observation of electromagnetic waves, such as visible light, X-rays, gamma rays, or radio waves. These photons reveal a multitude of information about celestial objects, but certain phenomena remained inaccessible before the advent of gravitational … Read more

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

Galactic halos and their dark matter

In the ever-expanding universe, galactic halos stand out as fascinating structures enveloping our familiar galaxies. These vast spherical regions are primarily composed of dark matter, an invisible substance that cannot be directly detected but whose gravitational influence is crucial for understanding modern cosmology. The study of galactic halos allows us to decipher the large-scale organization … Read more

Galactic hydrogen filaments

Galactic hydrogen filaments represent one of the fundamental components of cosmic structure, drawing a complex network that shapes the visible universe. These gigantic chains of baryonic matter, primarily composed of neutral hydrogen clouds, play a crucial role in the intergalactic medium by orchestrating galaxy formation and the evolution of galaxy clusters. Thanks to recent advances … Read more