Scientists have created a “synthetic universe” using supercomputers to help predict what the next generation of super-telescopes will discover in the cosmos. These telescopes will focus on investigating the mysteries of dark energy and dark matter, collectively known as the “dark universe.” The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), which has been delivering scientific results for two years, has already made significant contributions to astronomy.
The synthetic cosmos was generated using the Theta supercomputer at the Argonne National Laboratory in Illinois as part of the OpenUniverse project. This simulated universe consists of nearly 4 million images depicting how the universe will appear to the Roman space telescope and the Rubin Observatory. The goal is to provide scientists with a preview of what they can expect to see when these telescopes begin exploring the universe.
Both the Roman space telescope and the Rubin Observatory will investigate the mystery of dark energy, which is the force driving the expansion of the cosmos. Dark energy accounts for a significant portion of the total matter-energy budget of the universe. The OpenUniverse simulation will help scientists understand the signatures of dark energy that these telescopes will observe, enabling them to interpret the results more accurately.
In addition to dark energy, Roman and Rubin will also play a key role in studying dark matter, which makes up a substantial portion of the matter and energy in the universe. Dark matter does not interact with light or ordinary matter, making it challenging to detect. Vera Rubin, the astronomer after whom the Rubin Observatory is named, was instrumental in confirming the presence of dark matter in galaxies.
The investigation into the dark universe by Roman and Rubin will be a significant undertaking. Rubin, scheduled to start operating in 2025, will use the largest digital camera ever built to study dark matter effects. Meanwhile, Roman will offer a broader view of the cosmos compared to previous space telescopes. The simulation of what these telescopes will observe required a considerable amount of computing power, but the OpenUniverse team is confident that the effort will pay off in preparing for future data analysis.
The advancements made in simplifying data processing pipelines and simulations will enable scientists to make the most of the data collected by Roman and Rubin. By working with these simulations, researchers can identify areas for improvement and enhance their ability to interpret the data effectively. The future of dark matter and dark energy research looks promising with the upcoming discoveries from these powerful telescopes.
In conclusion, the collaboration between scientists, supercomputers, and advanced telescopes like Roman and Rubin is shedding light on the mysteries of the dark universe. As these telescopes prepare to explore the cosmos, the scientific community is poised to make groundbreaking discoveries that will revolutionize our understanding of the universe.
