From decadesthe scientific community is wondering about form of the universe and on the complex parameters that regulate space and time. There central question is: the universe is an open dimension as we imagine it, or it wraps around itself same like one donut? Or maybe he hires configurations even stranger? Finally, we may be close to having some answers.
The findings of the COMPACT Collaboration
Recent studies published in the journal Physical Review Letters by the consortium of cosmologists called COMPACT Collaborationsuggest that the “topology” of the universe — that is, its geometric structure — may be anything but simple.
By examining the cosmic microwave background, scientists have discovered that the ancient radiation emitted at the dawn of time does not exclude the possibility of particular shapes for the universe. Imagine living in some sort of endless corridor dotted with mirrors.
Shape of the universe: the “3-Torus” theory
At the center of the research is a shape known as the “3-torus”. As explained by the American Physical Society, imagine a cube in which every pair of opposite sides is connected. No matter how big the universe seems, looking deep into its expanses, you would end up seeing the back of your head.
The APA describes this structure as a “corridor of mirrors”in which “visual lines within a 3-torus form closed loops that return to the observer, causing everything to appear infinitely repeated.”
These discoveries are about what is possible more than what it is concretely observable. Because of this reasonthe consortium COMPACT hopes to identify a topological signature in the cosmic microwave background that may offer more specific answers.
In an interview with APS, the astrophysicist Oliver Philcox from the Columbia Universitynot involved in the study, expressed that each hypothesis deserves consideration:
“The universe could present various topological forms and it is difficult to exclude them.”
What do you think about it? Could the universe really be an infinite corridor of mirrors? Let us know your opinion in the comments!
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