Mass & Radiation 3D Distribution in the Universe

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the estimated distribution of mass and radiation energy in the universe, specifically within inter-galactic space and galaxies. Participants noted that while the inter-galactic medium contains approximately 40%-50% of baryonic matter, comprehensive estimates for localized mass and radiation distribution remain elusive. The conversation highlights the confusion surrounding terminology, particularly regarding the search for information on mass and radiation distribution. Black holes are mentioned as significant contributors to the universe's mass, raising further questions about their role in overall entropy.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of baryonic matter and dark matter concepts
  • Familiarity with inter-galactic medium and its composition
  • Knowledge of black holes and their significance in astrophysics
  • Basic grasp of radiation energy in cosmology
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation" for insights on radiation energy distribution
  • Explore "Galactic Dynamics" to understand mass distribution within galaxies
  • Investigate "Entropy in Black Holes" to comprehend their role in the universe's mass
  • Examine "Inter-galactic Medium Studies" for detailed analyses of baryonic matter percentages
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, astrophysicists, and students of cosmology seeking to deepen their understanding of mass and radiation distribution in the universe.

Islam Hassan
Messages
237
Reaction score
5
TL;DR
How much of the universe’s mass and radiation is estimated to be where
What percentage of the universe’s A) total mass —including dark matter— and B) radiation energy is estimated to reside in:
  • Inter-galactic space covering i) inter-galactic medium and ii) distinct inter-galactic astronomical objects; and
  • Galaxies covering iii) inter-stellar gas clouds, iv) stars, v) planets, vi) black holes + AGN’s and vii) other inter-stellar astronomical objects?

IH
 
Space news on Phys.org
Have you done any research on this prior to asking the question here? If so, what have you found?
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: PeterDonis
Yes I have, some time ago and I substantially found nothing. I was intrigued by an article I once read somewhere on the net that said that black holes contained the majority of the mass in the universe, which seemed odd. This question has been on my mind since then...recently I said to myself let's try PhysicsForums...

I tried with terms other than "mass/radiation distribution" too because replies to such searches yield composition in terms of ordinary matter, dark matter, dark energy. Localised matter distribution is not easy to find. The Wiki article on inter-galactic medium here does give a % (40%-50%) but for baryonic matter only. I have not come across any reference that provides a complete, comprehensive % estimate of localised mass/radiation distribution.

Perhaps it's a question of terminology; what should one use instead of mass/radiation 'distribution' as a search term?IH
 
Islam Hassan said:
I once read somewhere on the net that said that black holes contained the majority of the mass in the universe, which seemed odd.
Black holes contain most of of entropy.

Nevertheless, it has intrigued you to another question.
I suppose you have found articles such as the following
http://chartsbin.com/view/yuc#:~:text=Composition of the Universe , 1 more rows
 
Islam Hassan said:
an article I once read somewhere on the net

Can you give a reference? There are lots of random things "somewhere on the net".
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
6K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
4K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 34 ·
2
Replies
34
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
502