Tag Archives: hypothesis

Ancient Universe Theory Faces Potential Overhaul: A Century-Old Hypothesis at Risk

Posted on by
Reply
Our incredibly bumpy universe

Our Incredibly Bumpy Universe

NASA, ESA, IPAC/California Institute of Technology, STScI, Arizona State University

New evidence suggests that the assumptions physicists have held about our universe for over a century might soon be challenged. This emerging research indicates that our universe is far more clumpy than previously believed, potentially unraveling some of today’s most perplexing cosmological mysteries.

In cosmological modeling, simplifications are often made due to the inability to account for all galaxies. Generally, cosmologists assume that the universe is homogeneous and isotropic at large scales, meaning it appears largely uniform in all directions.

This prevailing view is referenced as the FLRW model, named after Alexander Friedmann, Georges Lemaître, Howard Robertson, and Arthur Jeffrey Walker, who developed these ideas in the 1920s. Most cosmological observations rely on this model, but new evidence emerging in three preprint papers could indicate a fundamental flaw.

The first paper, authored by Timothy Clifton from Queen Mary University of London and Asta Heinessen from the University of Copenhagen, presents a novel method to assess the accuracy of FLRW models in describing our universe. You can view it here: A new way to determine whether FLRW models can accurately describe our universe.

This analysis utilizes various formulas for cosmic distances inferred from supernova observations and the density variations of matter. If the FLRW model holds true, certain outcomes should equal zero; hence, a nonzero result may indicate the necessity for a new model. Prior tests have been proposed, but none have definitively signaled flaws in the FLRW framework.

In subsequent papers, linked as second and third, Heinessen and Sophie Marie Cockvin from the University of Southern Denmark undertook this distance measurement challenge using available cosmological data.

Successfully navigating this challenge, the duo employed AI-driven symbolic regression techniques to derive formulas fitting existing distance measurements without relying on the FLRW model, which previous analyses had done. Their results were striking, demonstrating non-zero findings that suggest the FLRW model may be flawed.

“We were surprised by this result, as it challenges much of the established understanding,” Heinesen comments.

“These findings imply a level of complexity in the universe that wasn’t previously recognized,” Clifton expresses. He regards this as a potential first indication that the FLRW model is inadequate, “opening new avenues for exploration and enlightenment.”

Although these findings are promising, they have not yet met the rigorous statistical thresholds required by cosmologists for confirmation. The team will await additional astronomical data that will materialize over the coming years.

However, this development could lead to significant implications for cosmology. The field has wrestled with the puzzling discrepancies surrounding the universe’s expansion rate, as well as the inconsistency between its earlier formation and current behavior. Recent observations have also suggested that dark energy may be evolving.

Clifton proposes that these core enigmas in cosmology could be elucidated by a universe lacking homogeneity. Such averages in measurements may not hold steady over time, he explains.

Subodh Patil from Leiden University notes the importance of cautious interpretation of the data but appreciates the overall approach. “My initial impression is commendable; they are asking the crucial questions,” Patil states.

Topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

New Study Confirms ‘Walking’ Moai Hypothesis

Posted on by
Reply

The transportation of the iconic Moai statues from Rapa Nui (Easter Island) has sparked debate for over a century. A thorough analysis of 962 moai, concentrating on 62 road statues, by Professor Carl Lipo from Binghamton University and Dr. Terry Hunt from the University of Arizona utilized 3D modeling and field experiments to reveal that small groups of ancient Rapa Nui individuals may have utilized ropes to “walk” the massive statues in a zigzag motion along purposefully constructed roads.

Carl P. Lipo and Terry L. Hunt employed 3D modeling and field tests to verify that the ancient inhabitants of Rapa Nui “walked” the moai statues. Image credit: Carl Lipo.

Previously, Professor Lipo and his team had provided experimental proof that the large statues were “walked” from the quarry to ceremonial platforms using an upright rocking motion, countering the notion that they were moved lying flat on wooden contraptions.

“Once you initiate movement, it’s quite manageable. People can pull it with one arm, conserving energy and moving quickly,” stated Professor Lipo.

“The challenging part is getting it rocking from the outset. The key question is, what does it take if the statue is exceptionally large?”

“Is our experimental evidence in line with expectations based on physics?”

To examine the movement of larger statues, Professor Lipo and Dr. Hunt created high-resolution 3D representations of the moai, identifying unique design elements, such as a broad D-shaped base and forward incline, which enhance the likelihood of wobbling or zigzagging.

To test their hypothesis, they constructed a replica moai weighing 4.35 tonnes featuring a special ‘forward leaning’ design.

Only 18 individuals managed to transport the moai 100 meters in just 40 minutes, a significant enhancement over earlier vertical transportation methods.

“The physics is sound,” Professor Lipo remarked.

“What we observe in experiments is effective. And as sizes increase, it remains applicable.”

“The characteristics of giant object movement only become more consistent as they grow larger, as that becomes the sole viable approach to relocating them.”

Further backing for this theory lies in the roads of Rapa Nui.

This road, measuring 4.5 meters in width and concave in shape, was well-suited for stabilizing the statue during its movement.

“Each time the statue is moved, it appears as if a road is being formed. The road plays a role in the statue’s movement,” Professor Lipo explained.

“We’re essentially observing them overlapping and many parallel paths being created.”

“What they likely did was clear one path, move the statue, then clear another, adjusting their route in a specific sequence.”

“Thus, they devoted considerable time to the road aspect.”

“Currently, no other explanation sufficiently accounts for how the moai were moved. The challenge for others is to disprove this hypothesis.”

“Provide evidence that contradicts the walking theory, since I have yet to encounter information that challenges it.”

“In fact, every finding and thought we have encountered thus far continues to reinforce this hypothesis.”

“Our research pays homage to the Rapa Nui people, who accomplished a remarkable engineering achievement with limited resources.”

“This illustrates the incredible intelligence of the Rapa Nui, as they comprehended this process.”

“They executed it in a manner that aligns with the resources at their disposal.”

“It is truly a privilege to showcase their achievements. We can learn a great deal from their methodologies.”

The team’s study was published in the archeology journal.

_____

Carl P. Lipo and Terry L. Hunt. 2025. The Walking Moai Hypothesis: Archaeological Evidence, Experimental Testing, and Responses to Critics. archeology journal 183: 106383; doi: 10.1016/j.jas.2025.106383

Source: www.sci.news

New computer model provides evidence for dark matter hypothesis

Posted on by
Reply

A new study led by the University of California, Irvine, addresses a fundamental debate in astrophysics: the existence of invisible dark matter is necessary to explain how the universe works. Is there an observation, or can physicists explain how things work based only on matter that we can know directly?

Dark photons are hypothetical dark sector particles that have been proposed as force carriers, similar to electromagnetic photons but potentially related to dark matter. Image credit: University of Adelaide.

“Our paper shows how a real-world observed relationship can be used as a basis for testing two different models for describing the universe,” said Dr. One Dr. Francisco Mercado said:

“We conducted robust tests to distinguish between the two models.”

“This test required us to run computer simulations using both types of matter, normal matter and dark matter, to account for the presence of interesting features measured in real galaxies.”

“The features we discovered in galaxies would be expected to appear in a universe with dark matter, but would be difficult to explain in a universe without dark matter.”

“We have shown that such features appear in observations of many real galaxies. If we take these data at face value, the dark matter model is the one that best explains the universe we live in. It is reconfirmed that.”

These features explain patterns in the movement of stars and gas within galaxies that appear to be possible only in a universe with dark matter.

“The observed galaxies appear to follow a close relationship between the matter we see and the dark matter we inferred to detect, hence what we call dark matter. Some have even suggested that this is actually evidence that our theory of gravity is wrong,'' New York University said. Professor James Block of Irvine, California;

“What we have shown is that dark matter not only predicts that relationship, but for many galaxies it can explain what we see more naturally than modified gravity.”

“I am even more convinced that dark matter is the correct model.”

This feature has also appeared in observations by proponents of a dark matter-free universe.

“The observations we looked at, the very observations that discovered these features, were made by proponents of the no-dark-matter theory,” said Dr. Jorge Moreno, a researcher at Pomona College. Ta.

“Despite their obvious existence, there has been little analysis of these functions by the community.”

“We needed scientists like us who work with both ordinary matter and dark matter to start the conversation.”

“We hope that this study will spark a debate within our research community, but such features can only be found in our planet if both dark matter and normal matter are present on Earth.” We also found that it appears in simulations, so there may be room for commonalities in the universe. “

“When stars are born and die, they explode into supernovae, which can form the centers of galaxies, providing a natural explanation for the existence of these features.”

“Simply put, the features we investigated in our observations require both the presence of dark matter and the incorporation of normal matter physics.”

Now that the dark matter model of the universe appears to be a promising model, the next step is to see whether it remains consistent across the dark matter universe.

“It will be interesting to see if this same relationship can even be used to distinguish between different dark matter models,” Dr. Mercado said.

“Understanding how this relationship changes under individual dark matter models could help constrain the properties of dark matter itself.”

of paper Published online on Royal Astronomical Society Monthly Notices.

_____

Francisco J. Mercado other. Hooks and bends in the radial acceleration relationship: Discrimination test between dark matter and MOND. MNRAS 530 (2): 1349-1362; doi: 10.1093/mnras/stae819

Source: www.sci.news