Physics

A roundup of some of the most important discoveries gleaned so far from the Gaia space observatory’s new map of the galaxy.

Zeta values seem to connect distant geometric worlds. In a new proof, mathematicians finally explain why.

Two ways of measuring the universe’s expansion rate yield two conflicting answers. Many point to the possibility of new physics at work, but a new analysis argues that unseen errors could be to blame.

New observations of extreme astrophysical systems have “brutally and pitilessly murdered” attempts to replace Einstein’s general theory of relativity.

In new computer experiments, artificial-intelligence algorithms can tell the future of chaotic systems.

Atomic clocks are letting physicists tighten the lasso around elusive phenomena such as dark matter.

Independent scientists have cast serious doubt on a claimed detection of dark matter.

Decades after physicists happened upon a stunning mathematical coincidence, researchers are getting close to understanding the link between two seemingly unrelated geometric universes.

A recent experiment shows how quantum mechanics can make heat flow from a cold body to a hot one, an apparent (though not real) violation of the second law of thermodynamics.