"The map results suggest the universe is expanding more slowly than scientists thought, and is 13.8 billion years old, 100 million years older than previous estimates. The data also show there is less dark energy and more matter, both normal and dark matter, in the universe than previously known. Dark matter is an invisible substance that can only be seen through the effects of its gravity, while dark energy is pushing our universe apart. The nature of both remains mysterious."

Turns out our model of the universe was wrong, albeit only slightly. While 100 million years seems like a lot, in the grand scheme of cosmic time, it is a drop in the bucket. And that is why I adore science. The evidence revealed a flaw in the data, and rather than fight it, or dogmatically insist the original data was correct, the scientific community accepted the new evidence and modified their position accordingly. We know the universe better today than we did yesterday, and that is something to be excited about. And yes, you would be right in assuming that is analogous for how we should all confront our daily realities. Why continue to insist on holding onto demonstrably false beliefs when the evidence points to different and, it must be said, far more wondrous perspectives?

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/planck/news/planck20130321.html

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