SUMMARY
The composition of the universe according to the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) is defined as 4.6% ordinary matter, 23.3% dark matter, and 72.1% dark energy. The ordinary matter (M_ord) is primarily represented by rest mass energy, as the kinetic energy of normal matter is negligible in the current energy density calculations. In the context of General Relativity (GR), gravitational potential energy is not included in these assessments. The discussion clarifies that while kinetic energy was significant in the early universe, it is not a factor in the current understanding of cosmic composition.
PREREQUISITES
- Understanding of WMAP (Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe) data
- Basic knowledge of General Relativity (GR)
- Familiarity with concepts of ordinary matter, dark matter, and dark energy
- Knowledge of energy density and its components in cosmology
NEXT STEPS
- Research the implications of WMAP findings on cosmological models
- Study the role of dark energy in the expansion of the universe
- Explore the differences between ordinary matter and dark matter
- Investigate the historical context of energy density in the early universe
USEFUL FOR
Astronomers, cosmologists, physics students, and anyone interested in understanding the fundamental composition of the universe and the implications of WMAP data.