Mass & Radiation 3D Distribution in the Universe

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the estimated distribution of mass and radiation energy in the universe, specifically focusing on inter-galactic space and galaxies. Participants explore the composition of various astronomical objects and the challenges in finding comprehensive data on localized mass and radiation distribution.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the percentage of the universe's total mass and radiation energy in inter-galactic space and galaxies, specifying various components such as inter-galactic medium, stars, and black holes.
  • Another participant questions whether prior research was conducted on the topic and asks for findings.
  • A participant shares their past research experience, noting a lack of comprehensive data on localized mass and radiation distribution, and mentions an article suggesting that black holes contain the majority of the universe's mass, which they find odd.
  • There is a mention that black holes contain most of the entropy in the universe, which could lead to further questions about mass distribution.
  • A participant requests a reference for the article mentioned, highlighting the need for credible sources in discussions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the distribution of mass and radiation, with no consensus reached on the terminology or the existence of comprehensive data on the topic.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the difficulty in finding localized mass and radiation distribution data and the potential confusion around terminology used in searches.

Islam Hassan
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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
 
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Have you done any research on this prior to asking the question here? If so, what have you found?
 
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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".
 

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