National Aeronautics and Space Administration Scientists have observed the fifth state of matter, Bose-Einstein condensates (BECs) in space for the first time, offering unprecedented insight that could help solve some of the quantum universe’s most intractable conundrums.
Daily Current Affairs Quiz 2020
Key-Points:
Bose-Einstein condensates are the existence of which was predicted by Albert Einstein and Indian mathematician Satyendra Nath Bose almost a century ago. They are formed when atoms of certain elements are cooled to near absolute zero (0 Kelvin, minus 273.15 Celsius).
BECs straddle the line between the macroscopic world governed by forces such as gravity and the microscopic plane, ruled by quantum mechanics.
BECs contain vital clues to mysterious phenomena such as dark energy, the unknown energy thought to be behind the Universe’s accelerating expansion.
BECs are extremely fragile. The slightest interaction with the external world is enough to warm them past their condensation threshold.
