Researchers from Jones Hopkins University have made a groundbreaking discovery in the study of relict radiation that originated at the dawn of the Universe, offering insights into its formation and evolution. The team conducted the Cosmology Large Angular Scale Surveyor (Class) project, utilizing a system of microwave telescopes situated in the Andes at an altitude exceeding 5000 meters above sea level to map 75% of the sky.
The primary focus of the research was the cosmic microwave background radiation (CMB), the light emitted approximately 380 million years post Big Bang when the Universe became transparent to light. This radiation carries vital information about the early stages of the Universe, including the emergence of the first stars, galaxies, and galactic clusters.
By examining the polarization of microwave radiation, scientists were able to isolate the signal from the Milky Way and concentrate on analyzing the CMB. This polarization of light enabled the researchers to determine how matter was distributed in the early Universe and its correlation with the current cosmic structure.
The Class project significantly advanced the comprehension of the physical processes during the Universe’s infancy and can provide insights into the mechanisms behind space microwave polarization. These findings play a crucial role in deepening our understanding of the Universe’s origins and subsequent evolution.
The new measurements are a substantial contribution to the broader concept of cosmic microwave background radiation variations, particularly given the challenges of atmospheric interference faced by ground-based observatories. The research outcomes unlock new possibilities for ground-based observatories to explore light polarization and may lead to further cosmological discoveries.