Three Major Physics Breakthroughs of the Year
This year has seen significant advancements in the field of physics, with three notable discoveries standing out. These breakthroughs cover a wide range of topics, from cosmology to quantum mechanics, and offer new insights into the fundamental nature of our universe.
Dark Energy May Be Weakening Over Time
The Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) has produced the largest map of the cosmos to date, revealing surprising information about dark energy. Contrary to the long-held belief that dark energy is a cosmological constant, the new data suggests that this mysterious force may have been changing over billions of years. This finding challenges our understanding of the universe’s expansion and could have far-reaching implications for cosmology.
Supersolids Confirmed Through Quantum Tornadoes
Scientists have observed microscopic vortices, dubbed “quantum tornadoes,” which confirm the existence of supersolids – a paradoxical phase of matter that exhibits properties of both solids and superfluids. This discovery not only advances our understanding of exotic states of matter but also suggests that similar phenomena may occur inside neutron stars, bridging the gap between laboratory experiments and astrophysical observations.
New Quantum Geometry Shapes Particle Physics
Building on the discovery of the “amplituhedron” a decade ago, physicists have uncovered a new geometric shape called the “associahedron.” This shape provides an alternative method for calculating scattering amplitudes in particle physics, potentially simplifying complex calculations and offering new insights into the fundamental structure of the universe at the quantum level.
