Ancient hydrogen spotted in the early universe could open a new way to study space's baffling expansion
The CHIME radio telescope in Canada has successfully mapped hydrogen gas distribution in the early universe using only its own data. This achievement provides a new, cost-effective method for scientists to study dark energy and the universe's accelerating expansion.
Why it matters
This development offers a more efficient way to investigate one of the greatest mysteries in cosmology, potentially accelerating our understanding of the universe's fundamental physics.
After seven years of work, Canada's CHIME telescope has a measurement of dark energy from 2019. More detailed studies are planned to expand the research.
By Elizabeth Howell Edited by Laura Mondrag n , Brandon Specktor Published 30 September 2026 In News When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here's how it works .
A view of the CHIME radio telescope array at night, with the Milky Way overhead. Astronomers have used CHIME to map the distribution of hydrogen gas in the early universe, opening new paths to study dark energy. (Image credit: CHIME Collaboration) Copy link Facebook X Reddit Pinterest Flipboard Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter Scientists have a new tool for mapping the universe's perplexing acceleration.
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