Problem of Missing Metals Resolved for Now

Problem of Missing Metals Resolved for Now

TNRTB Archive – Retained for reference information

A group of scientists has proposed a resolution to a discrepancy between predicted and observed metal (any element heavier than helium) abundances in distant galaxies in hot big bang models. Stars in the early universe tended to be massive and short-lived before exploding in supernovae events. However, observations of early galaxies failed to detect the metals produced in these supernovae. Other observations indicate less than 10% of metals reside in a cool state that would permit detection by current telescopes. If 90% of the metals reside in a hot phase in the intergalactic medium, then metal abundance predictions reconcile nicely with current observational constraints. This proposal predicts that future observations of the early intergalactic medium will reveal the metals produced during the early universe. Sound big bang models (like RTB’s creation model) provide direction for future research and predict discoveries.