Science

Unlocking the Mysteries of the Universe: Earth-Based Telescopes Capture the Cosmic Dawn

2025-06-11

Author: Jia

A Breakthrough in Cosmic Observation

In an extraordinary leap for astronomy, scientists have successfully harnessed Earth-based telescopes to peer back over 13 billion years, unveiling how the universe's first stars influenced the light emitted during the Big Bang.

The High Andes: A Unique Observational Platform

Utilizing advanced telescopes perched high in the Andes mountains of northern Chile, a team of astrophysicists has precisely measured polarized microwave light, illuminating one of the most enigmatic chapters in cosmic history—the cosmic dawn.

"Many believed this was impossible from Earth’s surface. The challenges in capturing these faint microwave signals are substantial," stated Tobias Marriage, the project leader and a professor of physics and astronomy at Johns Hopkins University. "Overcoming these hurdles marks a historic achievement in the field."

Decoding the Cosmic Microwave Puzzle

Cosmic microwaves are elusive, with wavelengths measuring mere millimeters; capturing the polarized light emitted during the cosmic dawn is approximately a million times fainter. Earth's surface is rife with interference, from broadcast signals to atmospheric distortions, making these measurements notoriously difficult. Only the most sophisticated equipment can detect such faint whispers of the universe's past.

Collaborative Research at the Forefront