IN BRIEF Cosmic rays: high-energy subatomic particles coming from space. Messengers of violent events in the universe. Composed mainly of protons and atomic nuclei. Create large showers of secondary particles upon their manifestation. Constantly bombard the Earth and impact our atmosphere. Represent one of the greatest dangers for astronauts in space exploration. Play a crucial … Read more
IN BRIEF Primordial nucleosynthesis: the initial formation of elements after the Big Bang. Origin of matter: explained by the Big Bang model. Carbon chemistry: the foundation of life on Earth with sugar, proteins, lipids. First molecule: the helium hydride ion (HeH+) could be the very first formed element. Complexification of atoms: evolution of hydrogen atoms … Read more
IN BRIEF Multi-scale analysis of organic residues synthesized in the laboratory. Creation of samples from lunar rocks provided by China. Research on the extraterrestrial composition of Bronze Age objects. Examination of primitive extraterrestrial matter to understand its evolution. Detection of chemical traces of extraterrestrial life forms. Use of atomic force microscopy to visualize extraterrestrial molecules. … Read more
IN BRIEF Space research and its scientific implications Applications of Earth sciences in the economy Advances in astronomy and astrophysics Studies of exoplanets and their potential for life Improvement of geochemical measurements with extraterrestrial matter Role of navigation systems in space missions Impact of new technologies on scientific research The sciences of the universe play … Read more
IN BRIEF Critical density : key value characterizing the energy of the Universe. Relationship between the density of the Universe and its curvature. Impact of a density lower than critical density: eternal expansion. Consequences of a density higher : possibility of a Big Crunch. Standard cosmological model based on general relativity. Measurement of critical density: … Read more
IN BRIEF Cosmic filaments: thread-like structures made up of galaxies and galaxy clusters. Comprise the cosmic web, a complex network of empty spaces surrounded by walls of matter. Filaments can extend for hundreds of millions of light-years. First observed, they reveal the largest cosmic structures in rotation. Organize the matter of the Universe on a … Read more
IN BRIEF Numerical simulations to study the Universe. Used by physicists to simulate the inflation of the Universe. Objective: to create a model of the entire observable Universe. Analysis of stars, galaxies, black holes, etc. Essential tool for understanding cosmological processes. Simulations aiding in retracing the history of the Universe. Illustration of the ongoing expansion … Read more
IN BRIEF Four fundamental forces: gravitation, electromagnetism, strong nuclear force, and weak nuclear force Gravity: governs weight and the trajectories of celestial bodies Electromagnetic force: regulates interactions between charged particles Strong nuclear force: holds protons and neutrons together in the atomic nucleus Weak nuclear force: responsible for nuclear transformations Standard model: theorizes the fundamental interactions … Read more
IN BRIEF Quasars: Immense black holes at the heart of galaxies. Energy emission: They produce significant amounts of energy by devouring matter. Cosmic evolution: Help in understanding the evolution of the Universe. Interaction with galaxies: Influence the formation and evolution of galaxies. Quasar winds: Produce jets of radiation altering the galactic environment. Energy role: Among … Read more
IN BRIEF Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB): fossil radiation of the universe Fluctuations: temperature differences, indicating anisotropies Blue regions: cooler, indicating areas of low energy Red regions: warmer, signaling areas of high energy Inflation: early period of the universe explaining certain fluctuations Measurements by satellites WMAP and Planck CMB reveals characteristic B modes Temperature dipole: origin … Read more