Can you model a galaxy in a lab? 🌌
Space is a complex and nonlinear system, where even the smallest changes can lead to unpredictable results. That’s why astronomical events are compared to the weather – you can only predict them for the immediate future. To study how stars move, scientists rely on mathematical models, such as the Hénon-Heiles potential, but they are hard to test on real cosmic objects.
Researchers from ITMO University have discovered that the Hénon-Heiles model can be physically recreated in combination with the movement of atomic ions inside specially developed traps. This way, ions act as “stars” in a laboratory experiment.
🔬 How it works:
To model astronomical events in the laboratory, scientists will design a new type of particle trap. At its core are two glass substrates with electrodes made of indium tin oxide. This design makes it possible to achieve the desired electric field distribution for observation and analysis of ion motion using optical methods.
This approach makes it possible to create a realistic space system and get answers about how and why stars move relative to the galaxy’s center – all without leaving the lab!
Guest post by ITMO University
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1April 13, 2026 1.3K 2 2
