What went wrong for 30 universe models, explained by the Atacama Cosmology Telescope

The Atacama Cosmology Telescope ruled out 30 universe models suggesting cosmological theories remain incomplete. (Image: The Atacama Cosmology Telescope)

New results from a major cosmology telescope are reshaping understanding. Final data show many theories about the universe are incorrect. Scientists say at least 30 universe models no longer fit observations. The findings sharpen a long-running mystery about cosmic expansion.

The Atacama Cosmology Telescope operated for 15 years in Chile. It studied the cosmic microwave background left after the Big Bang. This faint radiation reveals conditions from the universe’s earliest moments. The researchers released the telescope’s final and most precise dataset.

The data confirm inconsistencies in how fast the universe expands. Early universe measurements disagree with nearby cosmic observations. This mismatch is known as the Hubble tension problem. The new results strengthen evidence that the tension is real.

Many models attempted to resolve the expansion rate disagreement. They adjusted dark matter dark energy or neutrino properties. ACT’s high precision measurements showed these models do not match reality. Around 30 proposed explanations are now ruled out conclusively.

The telescope mapped polarisation patterns in cosmic background radiation. These patterns formed about 380,000 years after the Big Bang. They provide clues about matter distribution and cosmic evolution. Small deviations reveal which theories align with physical reality.

The results challenge aspects of the standard Lambda-CDM model. Scientists stress the model still works remarkably well overall. However, missing physics may be required to explain expansion rates. Future theories must fit both early and late universe measurements.

Researchers will now focus on fewer remaining explanations. Upcoming telescopes may probe dark energy and gravity further. New data could reveal unknown particles or forces. The universe remains mysterious, but its possible explanations are narrowing.