Astronomy - Unsolved problems in astronomy
Although the scientific discipline of astronomy has made tremendous strides in understanding the nature of the Universe and its contents, there remain some important unanswered questions. Answers to these may require the construction of new ground- and space-based instruments, and possibly new developments in theoretical and experimental physics.
- What is the origin of the stellar mass spectrum? That is, why do astronomers observe the same distribution of stellar masses – the initial mass function – apparently regardless of the initial conditions?A deeper understanding of the formation of stars and planets is needed.
- Is there other life in the Universe? Especially, is there other intelligent life? If so, what is the explanation for the Fermi paradox? The existence of life elsewhere has important scientific and philosophical implications. Is the Solar System normal or atypical?
- What is the nature of dark matterand dark energy? These dominate the evolution and fate of the cosmos, yet their true nature remains unknown. What will be the ultimate fate of the universe?
- How did the first galaxies form?How did supermassive black holes form?
- What is creating the ultra-high-energy cosmic rays?
- Why is the abundance of lithium in the cosmos four times lower than predicted by the standard Big Bangmodel?
- What really happens beyond the event horizon?[
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