Scientists have a new idea about dark matter. They think it may have started before the Big Bang. Many people believe the Big Bang was the start of everything: matter, dark matter, space, and energy.
After the Big Bang, the universe grew very quickly. This quick growth is called cosmic inflation. Some scientists think this inflation might have happened before the Big Bang. Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin believe that dark matter was formed during this time.
They created a model called warm inflation via freeze-in, or WIFI. In this model, small particles create dark matter while the universe is warm. Katherine Freese, a scientist from UT Austin, says their model is unique because dark matter can be made during inflation.
Scientists think the universe was once a very tiny point. During the early moments, dark matter might have formed from radiation and particles working together.
This idea is not proven yet. Future studies, like those of the cosmic microwave background, may help test this idea. The research was published in Physical Review Letters.
Vocabulary List:
- Inflation /ɪnˈfleɪʃən/ (noun): An increase in the size or extent of something often referring to the rapid expansion of the universe after the Big Bang.
- Radiation /ˌreɪ.diˈeɪ.ʃən/ (noun): Energy that is emitted in the form of waves or particles which may interact with matter.
- Model /ˈmɒdəl/ (noun): A simplified representation used to explain or predict phenomena such as the formation of dark matter.
- Cosmic /ˈkɒz.mɪk/ (adjective): Relating to the universe particularly in reference to its large scale and structure.
- Researchers /rɪˈsɜːr.tʃərs/ (noun): Individuals who conduct systematic investigations to establish facts or reach new conclusions.
- Proven /ˈpruː.vən/ (adjective): Demonstrated to be true or valid through evidence or argument.
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