Daily Current Affairs : 10-November-2023
The European Space Agency’s (ESA) groundbreaking Euclid mission, launched to unravel the enigma of dark matter and dark energy, has recently unveiled its inaugural set of five science images. Representing a significant stride in cosmic exploration, the Euclid space telescope, developed in collaboration with NASA, promises to shed light on the mysterious components that constitute a staggering 95% of the universe.
Understanding the Universe’s Composition
The Triad: Normal Matter, Dark Matter, and Dark Energy
The universe, as we comprehend it, is composed of three elemental substances: normal matter, dark matter, and dark energy. Astonishingly, a mere fraction, less than 5%, comprises everything ever observed on Earth. The dominant entities are dark energy, constituting about 68% of the cosmos, and dark matter, which makes up approximately 27%.
Dark Matter: Cosmic Cement
Dark matter operates as an elusive force, distinct from normal matter, as it refrains from interacting with the electromagnetic force. This peculiarity renders dark matter nearly invisible, as it neither absorbs, reflects, nor emits light. However, its gravitational interaction plays a crucial role in the cosmic ballet, acting as an attractive force akin to a cosmic cement that binds the universe together.
Dark Energy: The Cosmic Propellant
In stark contrast, dark energy serves as a repulsive force, akin to an anti-gravitational influence. Accounting for the lion’s share of the universe’s composition, around 68%, dark energy fuels the ongoing, accelerated expansion of the cosmos. Its dominance over dark matter signifies a cosmic interplay between attractive and repulsive forces that govern the fundamental dynamics of our expansive universe.
Important Points:
- Understanding the Universe’s Composition
- The universe comprises three main substances: normal matter, dark matter, and dark energy.
- Dark energy and dark matter together make up a staggering 95% of the universe, leaving less than 5% for everything observed on Earth.
- Dark energy dominates with about 68%, while dark matter constitutes around 27%.
- Dark Matter: Cosmic Cement
- Unlike normal matter, dark matter does not interact with the electromagnetic force.
- Dark matter’s invisibility stems from its inability to absorb, reflect, or emit light.
- Despite being elusive, dark matter plays a crucial role as an attractive force, acting like a cosmic cement that holds the universe together through gravitational interactions.
- Dark Energy: The Cosmic Propellant
- Dark energy, representing a repulsive force, propels the universe’s ever-accelerating expansion.
- Accounting for the majority share (68%) of the universe, dark energy contrasts with dark matter’s attractive force.
- Dark energy’s dominance over dark matter highlights a cosmic interplay between attractive and repulsive forces shaping the fundamental dynamics of the universe.
Why In News
The European Space Agency’s (ESA) Euclid mission, designed to unravel the enigma of dark matter and dark energy, has unveiled its initial five science images, marking a significant milestone in our quest to comprehend the universe’s elusive components.
MCQs about Euclid’s Cosmic Glimpse
-
Euclid mission primarily focuses on:
A. Exploring exoplanets
B. Investigating dark matter and dark energy
C. Studying black holes
D. Mapping asteroid belts
-
How does dark matter differ from normal matter in its interaction with light?
A. Dark matter emits light
B. Dark matter reflects light
C. Dark matter does not interact with light
D. Dark matter absorbs light
-
What role does dark energy play in the universe’s dynamics?
A. Dark energy is a cosmic cement
B. Dark energy repels, driving accelerated expansion
C. Dark energy only interacts with gravity
D. Dark energy absorbs light
Boost up your confidence by appearing our Weekly Current Affairs Multiple Choice Questions
