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Time of India
15-06-2025
- Science
- Time of India
13-Billion-year-old ‘Cosmic Dawn' signal captured by ground-based telescope: A breakthrough in tracing the origins of universe
In a rare and remarkable scientific achievement, scientists have detected a 13-billion-year-old microwave signal from a period known as the Cosmic Dawn. It is a time just after the Big Bang when the first stars and galaxies began to form. What makes this achievement remarkable is that the signal was picked up not from space, but using Earth-based telescopes situated at high altitudes in the Andes mountains of northern Chile. The discovery was made by astrophysicists from the CLASS (Cosmology Large Angular Scale Surveyor) project. The project is funded by the US National Science Foundation. These weak signals of polarised microwave radiation provide rare insights into the early universe and reveal how the first cosmic structures influenced light leftover from the Big Bang. This is the first time such a faint and ancient signal has been observed from the ground. The breakthrough was achieved by the team led by Professor Tobias Marriage of Johns Hopkins University (JHU). This major feat defies previous assumptions that these signals could only be detected using space telescopes, due to the many technological and environmental obstacles faced by ground observatories. What is the Cosmic Dawn that sent the 13-billion-year-old signal The Cosmic Dawn refers to the time period between roughly 50 million and one billion years after the Big Bang. This is the period when the first stars, galaxies, and black holes began to form. It was like a dawn for the Universe. Before this phenomena, the universe was in a dark, neutral state with no sources of light. The earliest stars also known as Population III stars ignited nuclear fusion and emitted intense ultraviolet radiation that lit up the universe and began the process of reionization. This radiation ionized the surrounding hydrogen gas which allow light to travel freely through space for the first time. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo During this era, small, irregular galaxies started to assemble, and early black holes likely formed from the collapse of massive stars. These events fundamentally changed the nature of the cosmos. By studying light from this time, such as polarised microwave signals left on the cosmic microwave background, scientists can learn how the first luminous objects shaped the universe's structure. The Cosmic Dawn marks the universe's transition from darkness to light and holds key insights into how modern galaxies, including our own- Milky way, came to be. Why detecting this signal is so difficult and significant The microwaves that scientists are looking for from the Cosmic Dawn are extremely faint. It is about a million times weaker than regular cosmic microwave background radiation. These polarised microwave signals are measured in mere millimetres of wavelength and are easily drowned out by earthly interference such as radio broadcasts, radar signals, satellites, and even atmospheric conditions like humidity or temperature shifts. According to researchers, even under ideal conditions, detecting these signals requires highly sensitive and precisely calibrated instruments. CLASS telescopes were custom-designed for this task and strategically placed in high-altitude regions of Chile, where the thinner, drier air provides a clearer view of the universe. How the CLASS team overcome the odds: A first feat from Earth 'People thought this couldn't be done from the ground,' said Prof. Tobias Marriage. 'Astronomy is a technology-limited field, and microwave signals from the Cosmic Dawn are famously difficult to measure. Ground-based observations face additional challenges compared to space. Overcoming those obstacles makes this measurement a significant achievement.' The CLASS team addressed these challenges by cross-referencing their data with results from previous space missions, such as NASA's Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) and the European Space Agency's Planck telescope. By identifying and eliminating interference, they were able to isolate a consistent signal from the polarised light. It confirmed that it originated from the early universe. The polarised microwave light Light becomes polarised when it bounces off surfaces or particles, causing the waves to align in a particular direction. A simple example is sunlight reflecting off a car hood, which creates a glare—one that can be reduced with polarised sunglasses. Similarly, ancient cosmic light that interacted with early matter became polarised. 'Using the new common signal, we can determine how much of what we're seeing is cosmic glare from light bouncing off the hood of the cosmic dawn, so to speak,' explained Dr. Yunyang Li, one of the study's co-authors and a researcher affiliated with Johns Hopkins and the University of Chicago. New path to explore the origins of the universe The CLASS project has opened a powerful new window into understanding the origins of the universe. The study of these signals can help scientists to see how the first light sources interacted with matter. They can trace how early stars triggered the formation of galaxies. These processes shaped large-scale structures that still define the universe today. This research opens the door to new discoveries. It gives scientists a roadmap to explore the earliest and most mysterious parts of the universe without relying only on space missions. It proves that advanced ground-based technology, when combined with clever methodology and favourable locations, can rival even space telescopes in tracing the earliest chapters of cosmic history. This research validates the capabilities of Earth-based astronomy and paves the way for deeper studies into the birth of stars, the formation of galaxies, and the evolution of the universe itself.
India.com
23-05-2025
- India.com
6 Best Stargazing Spots To Explore Near Udaipur
Udaipur is famous for its stunning romantic palaces, peaceful waters, and sunsets, and is famously known as the 'City of Lakes'. What people do not know is that there is a shimmering sky beyond the city lights. When the whole place falls silent and the city lights go quiet, the stars start shining their brightest and put on a phenomenal show. If you wish to see the night sky in all its glory then you are in luck because the city of Udaipur and its surroundings are breathtaking, starting from remote lake sides to tall mountain tops untouched by civilization. These locations are definitely going to make you fall in love with the universe again. So grab your telescope or just lie down on the grass because here are the best stargazing spots near Udaipur. 1. Jaisamand Lake Largest artificial lake in India, Jaisamand Lake is situated 58 km from Udaipur and is also known as Dhebar Lake. An unmatched stargazing destination which reflects shimmery stars making the night sky look precious and gem-like. The vast open waters of the lake makes it a very peaceful retreat away from the brimming city lights. Being away from the city gives clear visibility on tranquil nights helping you spot shooting stars, countless constellations and the Milky way all at once. The cool breeze touching your face provides the perfect complement for the unmatched scenery. 2. Sajjangarh (Monsoon Palace) Sajjangarh aka the Monsoon Palace is built on a hill, famous for the panoramic views of the sunset on the horizon. However, what remains concealed from a majority of people is that after sunset is when the spectacular sight begins. Standing on a Palace, one gets an unobstructed view of a huge sky and the Udaipur city sparkling below. This location is a heaven for star gazers on a moonless night. The height of the palace does help in lowering the light pollution, thus allowing users to spot celestial bodies such as Jupiter and Saturn with the help of a good telescope. What's the best way to enjoy it? Pack a few warm clothes, arrive at the Palace before it closes and just sit back and recline in clothes while on a high point that overlooks the surrounding ground. 3. Kumbhalgarh In case you are looking for a weekend getaway, Kumbhalgarh has a mind-blowing stargazing experience waiting just for you. The Kumbhalgarh fort which is approximately 85 kilometers from Udaipur is also famous for having the second-longest wall in the world, which has now been expanded to a fortress that is declared as a UNESCO world heritage site. The fort has an inexplicable altitude which results in little to no light pollution. When the nights are cloudless, the sky above the fort's old walls gets filled with vibrant stars, making the view pleasant to behold. Along with the relaxing breeze from the mountains, it makes for the perfect getaway. If you are lucky, you might also spot the Andromeda Galaxy through your naked eyes. 4. Badi Lake Badi Lake is located at a distance of approximately 12 kilometers from Udaipur. It is a secret spot for people who love to spend quiet nights under the stars. The lake is uninhabited and rests on all sides with hills, which makes the view more beautiful which makes for an undisturbed stargazing session. People often visit Badi Lake during the day, so, unlike other famous lakes, Badi Lake is usually uninhabited at night. This results in providing a very peaceful experience for people who seek it. You can set a mat, seat yourself near the water and stare into the universe which is above you. At times you wish to forget everything, this is the place to be. 5. Jawai Hills Jawai Hills–The Stargazer's Paradise Jawai Hills, whose main attraction are leopards, is a not so burnt out area for stargazing. It is located away from Udaipur which makes its surroundings seem untouched by artificial light, setting the stage for your gaze. Villagers from surrounding areas often recount stories of their witnessing immense meteor showers lighting up the cliffs. For adventurous people, camping lies at the heart of the woods, along with the relaxing sounds of nature present in the distance. Imagine hearing these sounds while surrounded by a sky full of stars… the bliss. 6. Mount Abu Though it is a little out of the way, Mount Abu (165 km from Udaipur) deserves a mention as it is one of the few locations in Rajasthan that has an actual astronomical observatory! The mount Abu Observatory even lets visitors look at stars through telescopes, making this an absolute must-visit for space lovers. The peak of Rajasthan, Guru Shikhar, has an amazing view of both the sun and moon rise. In addition to these factors, the low temperatures and high altitude also allow for perfect stargazing. Final Thoughts In case you're an amateur looking to observe the skies, or looking to spend some peaceful time, Udaipur and its surroundings will not disappoint you as there are ample of enchanting locations where one can get mesmerized by the night sky. It is unreal to imagine that there are thousands of stars and each of them has a unique story. So, the next time you find yourself in Udaipur, step away from the city lights and gorge yourself in the beauty of the cosmos at one of these remarkable places.
