Unveiling Cosmic Wrinkles: Galaxy Shapes as Clues to the Big Bang
Astronomers have discovered a new method to detect Baryon Acoustic Oscillations (BAOs), which are subtle wrinkles in cosmic matter from the early universe. Traditionally, BAOs have been observed through galaxy clusters, but a new study focuses on galaxy shapes and orientations. By analyzing the stretched orientations of one million galaxies, researchers can identify the presence of BAOs. This method provides a more accurate measurement of cosmic distances and the universe's expansion, potentially shedding light on the mysteries of dark matter and dark energy. The study was published in the journal Nature Astronomy.