Scientists have created the most detailed and accurate simulation to date of how the universe has expanded over the last several billion years.
Scientists have created the most detailed and accurate simulation to date of how the universe has expanded over the last 13 billion years.
One way its prowess over previous attempts has been proven is that the final result is remarkably similar to what’s actually out there.
Others have gotten somewhat close, but never like this.
The key is said to be in the careful inclusion of both ordinary matter and dark matter – the space stuff that reportedly does exist but can’t be seen.
The simulation shows in detail the vital role it played in the branching out of the universe and the eventual emergence of suns, planets, and life itself.
Truly immense computing power also helped the project along considerably.
Pairing super computers with particularly adept software allowed them to complete the task in 3 months.
On a standard laptop the simulation would have taken 2 thousand years to run its course.
Among the many remarkable aspects of the dynamic expansion model is how well it supports current prevailing theories about space, its structure, and its history.
An unaffiliated cosmologist said of the work, “If this all sounds somewhat complicated, do not be fooled: It is extremely complicated.”
