Subscribe now

Space

Invisible 'dark radiation' may explain a big problem with dark energy

Surprising recent measurements hint that the universe isn’t expanding in the way we had thought, and it could be explained by still-theoretical dark radiation

By Leah Crane

9 May 2024

A slice through the largest 3D map of our universe to date

A slice through the largest 3D map of our universe to date

laire Lamman/DESI collaboration

There are hints that the universe may be behaving unexpectedly, and astrophysicists are racing to explain why. Their ideas to account for the surprising result include allowing dark matter and dark energy to interact, and arguing for the existence of strange “dark radiation” that is similar in nature to regular light but invisible.

In April, researchers using the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) in Arizona released the biggest 3D map of the universe ever created, and it hinted…

Article amended on 14 May 2024

We clarified that the local value of Hubble tension measurements may be lower than previously thought

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox! We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

View introductory offers

No commitment, cancel anytime*

Offer ends 2nd of July 2024.

*Cancel anytime within 14 days of payment to receive a refund on unserved issues.

Inclusive of applicable taxes (VAT)

or

Existing subscribers

Sign in to your account

More from New Scientist

Explore the latest news, articles and features

Popular articles

Trending New Scientist articles

1

Einstein was right about the way matter plunges into black holes

2

Genetic mutation gives cats a 'salty liquorice' coat colour

3

Why did hominins like us evolve at all?

4

500-year-old maths problem turns out to apply to coffee and clocks

5

We are about to hear echoes in the fabric of space for the first time

6

The new evidence that explains what anxiety really is

7

Sunlight-trapping device can generate temperatures over 1000°C

8

Dozens of stars show signs of hosting advanced alien civilisations

9

Some brain injury patients would recover if life support weren't ended

10

Who were the enigmatic Sea Peoples blamed for the Bronze Age collapse?