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Intergalactic Missing Mass Missing Again
Ponca City, We Love You writes "Researchers at the University Of Alabama In Huntsville have discovered that some x-rays thought to come from intergalactic clouds of 'warm' gas are instead probably caused by lightweight electrons — leaving the mass of the universe as much as ten to 20 percent lighter (in terms of its ordinary matter) than previously calculated. In 2002 the same team reported finding large amounts of extra 'soft' (relatively low-energy) x-rays coming from the vast spaces in the middle of galaxy clusters. Their cumulative mass was thought to account for as much as ten percent of the mass and gravity needed to hold together galaxies, galaxy clusters, and perhaps the universe itself. When the team looked at data from a galaxy cluster in the southern sky, however, they found that energy from those additional soft x-rays doesn't look like it should. 'The best, most logical explanation seems to be that a large fraction of the energy comes from electrons smashing into photons instead of from warm atoms and ions, which would have recognizable spectral emission lines,' said Dr. Max Bonamente. The work was published Oct. 20 in the Astrophysical Journal."
a warm gas. (and lightweight electrons.)
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That's the magic of Slashdot.
How we know is more important than what we know.
is the obesity problem over then?
The other, slightly less, logical explanation is that the difference in mass can simply be explained by the number of missing ballpoint pens in the universe.
I can understand the universe being lighter, but its mass being lighter?
Now, back to my new computer that has a faster speed yet runs at a colder temperature. I'm going to move its location, which will require a longer length of Ethernet cable. Hopefully this farther distance from the router won't be a problem.
Based on nothing more than pure speculation, I believe the missing mass of the Universe is tucked away in all those little tiny extra dimensions at the planck scale of things.
Of course I'm wrong but hey - this is Slashdot.
Shh.
US Consumers Clueless about Missing Intergalactic Mass
...
"A study on consumer perceptions about missing intergalactic mass, undertaken by the Asimov Institute at the University of Phoenix Online and the Speilberg Space Policy Center, found that the average American consumer is largely unaware that some x-rays thought to come from intergalactic clouds of 'warm' gas are instead probably caused by lightweight electrons. Those surveyed showed little knowledge on the extent to which the mass of the universe was previously calculated. More than half of those surveyed -- about 55 percent -- falsely assumed that large amounts of extra 'soft' galaxy clusters were actually a light chocolatey candy.
Is the galaxy on the same diet as Oprah?
Have gnu, will travel.
Planetary. Planetary intergalactic. Another dimension!
"lightweight electrons"????
For God's Sake! There really was nothing wrong with Bohr's atom was there?
I'm still trying to explain wave and particle theory to my pug dog, who gazes intently into my eyes!
Now I've got to try and explain electrons that don't 'weigh'(?) as much!
Don't be apathetic. Procrastinate!
That's probably a typo, it should say intergelatic. That's something between ice creams.
To lose the intergalactic mass once might be considered a misfortune. To lose it twice begins to look like carelessness.
You know what they say about opinions. They're all fabulous!