Non-homogeneous and anisotropic metric and laws of physics...?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the implications of a non-homogeneous and anisotropic universe on the fundamental laws of physics. It references a popular science article suggesting that such conditions could lead to variations in physical laws across the universe. However, participants argue that the cosmological principle is merely an assumption for model construction, not a definitive law. Additionally, the potential breaking of Lorentz invariance due to anisotropy is identified as a hypothesis still in early research stages, lacking conclusive evidence.

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  • Understanding of the cosmological principle
  • Familiarity with Lorentz invariance
  • Knowledge of anisotropic and inhomogeneous metrics in spacetime
  • Basic grasp of theoretical physics and model construction
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of the cosmological principle in modern cosmology
  • Study the concept of Lorentz violation and its experimental searches
  • Explore various metrics and spacetimes that exhibit anisotropy and inhomogeneity
  • Investigate advanced theoretical models that challenge traditional physics assumptions
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Physicists, cosmologists, and researchers interested in theoretical physics, particularly those exploring the implications of anisotropic and inhomogeneous models in cosmology.

Suekdccia
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Non-homogeneous and anisotropic metric and laws of physics...?
In this popular science article [1], they say that if our universe resulted to be non-uniform (that is highly anisotropic and inhomogeneous) then the fundamental laws of physics could change from place to place in the entire universe. And according to this paper [2] anisotropy in spacetime could break the Lorentz invariance [3]

I know that there are metrics and spacetimes which are non-homogeneous and anisotropic. If our spacetime was highly anisotropic and inhomogeneous would this be possible? Can you think of some specific types of spacetimes or metrics where this could happen? Any examples that you can think of?[1]: https://whatifshow.com/what-if-the-universe-isnt-uniform/

[2]: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-86355-3

[3]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modern_searches_for_Lorentz_violation
 
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Suekdccia said:
In this popular science article [1]
Pop science articles are not good sources for learning physics.

Suekdccia said:
they say that if our universe resulted to be non-uniform (that is highly anisotropic and inhomogeneous) then the fundamental laws of physics could change from place to place in the entire universe.
This is wrong. The cosmological principle is not a law of physics. It's just a simple assumption that allows us to construct simple models. If it turns out that the simple models don't work, we'll just have to construct more complicated models. But those models will still use the same underlying laws of physics.

Suekdccia said:
And according to this paper [2] anisotropy in spacetime could break the Lorentz invariance [3]
This is a proposed hypothesis that is still in the very early research stage. Way too early to make any statements about its validity.
 
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