I recently discovered that NASA released updated images of planets in our solar system, taken by an advanced satellite. These images show an up-to-date interpretation of the planets we thought we knew so well. Seeing the dimensions, the colors, and the realness of these planets led me to want to learn more about our solar system, and the vast undiscovered space beyond it. This week, I dove deeper and enjoyed learning about 3 of NASA’s shocking recent theories. 

First, the “Dark Matter” Theory is centered around dark matter, one of the universe’s greatest mysteries. While it can’t be seen directly, scientists believe it makes up almost 27% of our universe. Its existence is assumed by its effects on visible matter, such as galaxies and galaxy clusters, which act as though they contain more mass than they do in reality. This invisible “stuff” does not emit, absorb, or reflect light. However, it still plays a crucial role in shaping the universe.

Learning more about dark matter could revolutionize the way humans perceive physics and help scientists and researchers understand the true composition of the universe. While there is no cold hard evidence on the existence of black and white holes in space, their presence would explain pieces missing in scientists’ understanding of matter. Michael Saucedo (11) claims he finds “theories of undiscovered ideas about our universe so interesting to learn about” and he feels they “challenge old traditional ideas and inspire us to think about life in a new way.” 

A theory that I have always found so interesting is the “Multiverse” Theory. Although this may be a familiar theory to many, as addressed in sci-fi and Marvel movies, this theory is actually much more real than many think. It seems impossible to think that our universe is just one of countless others, each with its own set of physical laws and possibilities. According to this hypothesis, everything that could possibly occur in one universe happens in others, creating a vast, infinite number of realities. This idea comes from interpretations of quantum mechanics, where vents might split into multiple outcomes, each occurring in a different universe. For example, this idea can be explained by the “Schrodinger’s Cat” idea.

Imagine you trap a cat in a box with a mechanism that may kill it. In this situation, there are two probable outcomes: the cat dies or the cat lives. However, until the box is opened, the fate is undecided and for that time that cat is both alive and dead at the same time. Scientists like to use this idea to explain the multiverse theory, where many different outcomes to simple actions exist in different universes. Although deeply speculative, the idea of a multiverse challenges our understanding of reality and the nature of existence, creating a terrifying yet exciting possibility that our universe may be only a tiny part of a much larger reality. 

Lastly, NASA is currently working to uncover clues about the “Fermi Paradox” with the “Drake Equation.” This paradox poses one of the most interesting questions in science: If there are billions of potentially habitable planets in the galaxy, where is everybody? The “Drake Equation” may possibly answer this question, as it estimates the number of intelligent civilizations in the Milky Way, based on many different factors such as the number of stars, the fraction of planets that could support life, and the likelihood of life evolving.

Although the odds seem high, scientists have yet to detect any clear signals or evidence that this theory is true, even through modern telescopes such as NASA’s James Webb and Kepler Space Telescope. This paradox challenges humans’ current assumptions about the nature of life and encourages us to think more critically about the endless possibilities in this vast universe. We still have so much to learn about it.

Learning about theories like these plays a huge role in our perspective about our world, as well as our personal lives. When I take time to try and grasp these large, seemingly impossible ideas, it reminds me how zoomed in and small my life really is. While this is scary, it also brings a sense of peace to know that the universe operates for something greater than just us.

From our limited perception, the daily ups and downs seem life-changing and catastrophic. However, when I remember that there are millions and trillions of galaxies beyond this small world we know, I am reminded of the insignificance of minor issues of earthly life. To learn more, visit NASA and read the scientific journals of many well-educated researchers and scientists!