Astronomers have unveiled the most detailed cosmic map to date of dark matter’s distribution in the universe, using observations from the James Webb Space Telescope. This new map is based on subtle distortions caused by gravitational effects in light bending, offering double the resolution compared to previous maps created with data from the Hubble Space Telescope.
The new map covers almost three times the area observed during Hubble missions and explores more cosmic regions. It also extends observations into earlier epochs of the universe, approximately 8 to 10 billion years ago. Scientists can now resolve finer dark matter structures and detect mass concentrations that were previously unseen. The map reveals details about the macrostructure of the universe, such as galaxy clusters, dark matter filaments, and areas with less dense matter.
This advancement in technology is attributed to Webb’s greater capabilities, which include six times the light-gathering power of Hubble. The telescope was launched in 2021 and has been operational since 2022. Observational cosmologists Diana Scognamiglio of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Jacqueline McCleary of Northeastern University co-authored a study published in Nature Astronomy, highlighting how the new map enhances future investigations into galaxy formation and evolution.
According to their research, the Cosmic Evolution Survey (COSMOS) region illuminated by this map aligns with current cosmological models that describe the universe’s origins with the Big Bang and subsequent evolution. The Lambda-CDM model posits a dark matter-dominated universe influenced by dark energy responsible for accelerating expansion.
The new dark matter map provides sharper observations of its cosmic web structure, enabling further exploration into galaxy formation and evolution within the framework of the described models.