Scientists these days seem to take so many things for granted - the big bang theory, Darwinian evolution, and even more mundane things - but it always amazes and amuses me when theories crop up that offer alternative reasons for some of the phenomena we observe and try to rationalize through complex theories (like those mentioned already). Here is one such example I ran into today while reading through the news: the Earth may exist inside a cosmic bubble, of sorts.
It isn't so much a bubble that they describe, just that some of the things we currently interpret as the universe expanding may actually be the result of Earth being in a relatively low-density section of space. Apparently this bucks traditional astronomical reasoning, which requires that things follow the Copernican principle. By suggesting that the Earth is in a unique region of space they seem to think that we are stepping beyond what we can demonstrate or presuppose - but I would also point out the opposite: by assuming that the Earth is in an average or 'normal' part of the universe, we are presupposing that such a norm exists. I don't think that with our limited knowledge of cosmology we can really be safe in that assumption; it is very possible that every part of the expanses out there is different and unique!
This is certainly a fun topic to discuss, and I look forward to more things that turn the scientific status-quo on its head. In the end, though, such things don't really matter all that much. As much as I like science and exploration, I sometimes do think that we should deal with some of the problems we have here on Earth before unleashing humanity on a poor, unsuspecting universe ;)
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2 comments:
Your style of writing is different than what I am used to reading. As a matter of fact it just may be the complete opposite of how I like to publish content. But I will say that your topics are more of a think tank on the subject than just generic opinions that tend to sound like an over exaggerated rant.
In response to your blog post I will say that I can see some "silliness" in the article. To be honest anything I see on Fox News or Fox in general is garbage to be. I cannot justify any said scientist calling a cosmos "bubble" like. I feel as if these educated people of science were doing a middle school science fair project and thought of something cute to define their theory.
On a side not your final sentence alone was well worth the read.
Thank you, Ruben! I'm glad you enjoy my posts, despite stylistic differences. I'd be curious, if you care to reply, as to what sort of blogs you prefer? I try to stay well read, so feel free to link to a couple of your favorites.
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