Kevin Haney said:There is a theory that space is viscous and that matter or energy traveling through it looses a very small part of its energy through this viscosity. It seems that the red shift that has been taken to be the main evidence for an expanding universe could potentially be explained by this phenomenon. Does anyone know if this inference, or the theory itself, has in fact been dis-proven, either theoretically or experimentally?
The concept of viscosity in space refers to the resistance to flow or deformation of matter in the vacuum of outer space. It is a measure of a substance's internal friction and is typically measured in units of poise or centipoise.
The viscosity of space is typically measured using indirect methods such as analyzing the movement of particles or fluids in space, or by studying the behavior of electromagnetic waves passing through space.
One of the key pieces of evidence supporting the theory of viscosity in space is the observation of cosmic microwave background radiation. This radiation is believed to be the residual heat from the Big Bang and its uniformity across space suggests the presence of a viscous medium that helped distribute the heat evenly.
The viscosity of space can play a significant role in the formation and evolution of celestial bodies. It can influence the movement and distribution of matter, as well as the development of structures such as planets and galaxies.
While the concept of viscosity remains constant, the actual value of the viscosity of space may change over time. This is due to factors such as the expansion of the universe and the presence of different types of matter and energy in different regions of space.