Our universe is full of mysteries and wonder. While scientists and researchers keep discovering new phenomena and celestial objects, a much larger part of it remains unknown, which baffles scientists.
Here are 7 space mysteries that still remain unknown:
Dark matter and dark energy
Two of the most mysterious phenomena of the universe are considered to be dark matter and dark energy. They are thought to make up about 95 per cent of the total mass-energy content of the universe. However, scientists still don’t know about the nature of these two elusive forces.
Solar system
Our solar system is full of mysteries and questions. For a long time, scientists have been trying to look for an explanation of how our solar system came into being to understand the unique planets within it.
Re-ionisation
It is believed that our universe was formed as a result of the Big Bang about 13.7 billion years ago. Around 13 billion years ago, it went through an age of re-ionisation, in which hydrogen gas fog cleared and became translucent to ultraviolet light. The cause of this re-ionisation remains unknown.
Missing baryonic matter
While dark energy and dark matter make up about 95 per cent of the universe, the remaining 5 per cent is made up of regular matter. However, more than half of that regular matter, baryonic matter, is missing. Scientists have speculated that it is found between galaxies in warm-hot intergalactic medium, but it remains a topic of debate.
Sun’s corona
The outer atmosphere of the sun’s corona can reach up to an unbelievable 6 million degrees Celsius. Research has suggested a connection between energy underneath the surface and the magnetic field of the sun, however, we still don’t know what makes it so hot.
Supernovas
Supernovas are the massive explosion of stars when they run out of their fuel and reach their end. These blasts can easily outshine galaxies by how bright they are. How this gigantic explosion occurs remains a mystery.
Cosmic rays
Another mystery of the universe is the origin of cosmic rays. Cosmic rays are charged subatomic particles that travel into our solar system from outer space. Scientists are still baffled about how these strong and highly energetic rays are produced.
(With inputs from agencies)