A study by astronomers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences suggests that the universe may be younger than the Standard Model suggests, adding uncertainty to our understanding of cosmic time periods.

Details of the study

Scientists focused on pairs of satellite galaxies in galaxy groups and studied their motions to detect possible deviations from expected behavior. After analyzing observational data from 813 galaxy groups located approximately 600 million light-years away, scientists focused on the largest galaxy in each group.

Surprisingly, the proportion of counter-rotating satellite galaxies exceeded predictions obtained by computer simulations based on the Standard Model.

Counter-spinning is typical for moons that have just entered orbit of a larger galaxy, but over time they usually synchronize their rotations. The unexpected prevalence of antispins challenges the predictions of the Standard Model and prompts a revision of our understanding of the structure of the universe.

According to researchers, the universe is younger than observations of residual radiation shown by the Planck observatory. However, the study does not give the exact age of the universe, although it questions the accuracy of current estimates.

Interestingly, Canadian astrophysicists have presented an alternative perspective, revealing a new interpretation of the redshift mechanism that offers a new estimate of the age of stars. Additionally, they advocate a revision of the “cosmological constant” interpretation, indicating a broader reevaluation of cosmological models.