Science

The last decades have seen remarkable progress in our understanding of the Universe. A wealth of results in particle physics and astrophysics have clarified the landscape at the various frontiers. In this rapidly emerging picture of the Standard Model of Elementary Particles, Nature seems to have unveiled many of its fundamental secrets.

Yet there remain open questions not satisfactorily accomodated within the present Standard Model of Elementary Particles!


Trivia question: Do you know the number of solar neutrinos crossing the Earth per centimeter-square every second ?

The cosmos harbors profound mysteries, many of which challenge our current understanding of physics. As we delve into the depths of these enigmas, we find ourselves at the frontiers of knowledge, probing questions that may reshape our perception of the universe. Below is a list of expandable domains that I am currently involved in.

Neutrinos, among the most abundant particles in the universe, are notoriously elusive due to their minimal interaction with matter. Understanding the properties of neutrinos is crucial, as it could unveil new aspects of particle physics. Key questions include their exact mass, the reason behind their tiny mass, and their role in the universe's evolution.

One of the universe's greatest puzzles is why it is dominated by matter when theories predict equal amounts of matter and antimatter should have been created during the Big Bang. This asymmetry is fundamental to our existence, and unraveling this mystery could offer insights into the early moments of the universe.

Grand Unified Theories (GUTs) suggest that protons may not be as stable as once thought, possibly decaying over vast time scales. Experimental efforts to detect proton decay are crucial in testing the validity of GUTs, potentially leading to a more unified understanding of fundamental forces.

The evidence for Dark Matter, an unseen non-baryonic element, comes from its gravitational effects on visible matter, radiation, and the large-scale structure of the universe. Identifying the particle nature of Dark Matter is one of the biggest challenges in astrophysics and could revolutionize our understanding of the universe's composition.

The concept of a 'Dark Sector' – a whole realm of particles and forces beyond our current understanding – is an exciting possibility. This sector could explain not only Dark Matter but also other astrophysical phenomena that don't fit into the Standard Model of particle physics.

These questions not only challenge our current understanding but also excite the imagination about what lies beyond the known. Each answer brings us closer to a more profound understanding of our universe, potentially opening up new realms of physics and cosmology.