The void: Imprint of another universe?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of a void in the universe, specifically a potential "imprint of another universe" as suggested by Laura Mersini-Houghton. Participants explore the implications of this idea, its statistical significance, and related theories in cosmology, including the WMAP cold spot and alternative theories of gravitation.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express skepticism about the statistical significance of the void, suggesting that it may not be a noteworthy phenomenon.
  • Others highlight the controversial nature of the claim regarding the void being an imprint of another universe, referencing the need for mathematical backing.
  • One participant proposes a theory involving "antigravity" as a possible explanation for the void, indicating plans for future publication.
  • There is mention of the need for a comprehensive explanation of gravitational phenomena if advocating for a non-relativistic theory of gravitation, with references to existing theories and experiments.
  • Some participants share links to relevant papers and discussions that could provide additional context or support for the claims being made.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that the claim about the void is controversial and requires further mathematical justification. However, there are multiple competing views regarding the significance of the void and the validity of alternative theories of gravitation, leaving the discussion unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Some claims rely on assumptions about the standard model of cosmology and the interpretation of the WMAP cold spot. The discussion also touches on the limitations of non-relativistic theories in explaining gravitational observations.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those exploring cosmology, alternative theories of gravitation, and the implications of observational anomalies in the universe.

cristo
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I was reading the linked article (from newscientist) in another thread on this forum, and saw the cover story to this month's NS; the article is http://space.newscientist.com/article/mg19626311.400;jsessionid=CPACOCKNHFIH .

What could cause such a gaping hole? One team of physicists has a breathtaking explanation: "It is the unmistakable imprint of another universe beyond the edge of our own," says Laura Mersini-Houghton of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

So, what does anyone else think? Clearly it's a very contraversial claim, and I can't find any recent papers of hers (Mersini-Houghton) on the arxiv that discuss this. I was under the impression that the standard model does allow for the void suggested by the WMAP cold spot?
 
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Controversial is a good description. I do not find such a void to be particularly significant statistically. Newscientist is a bleeding edge publication, not that it diminishes the discussion, but does put it into perspective. Show the math.
 
Chronos said:
Newscientist is a bleeding edge publication, not that it diminishes the discussion, but does put it into perspective.
I agree.
Show the math.
I'd love to, but as I said I can't find any paper that this is referring to. Perhaps others will be able to assist.
 
Do you have a reference for that Chris?
 
cristo said:
I was reading the linked article (from newscientist) in another thread on this forum, and saw the cover story to this month's NS; the article is http://space.newscientist.com/article/mg19626311.400;jsessionid=CPACOCKNHFIH .



So, what does anyone else think? Clearly it's a very contraversial claim, and I can't find any recent papers of hers (Mersini-Houghton) on the arxiv that discuss this. I was under the impression that the standard model does allow for the void suggested by the WMAP cold spot?

I think it is due to a region of "antigravity". I have a theory about that (hopefully to be published next year).

Rudi Van Nieuwenhove
 
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Chronos said:
Controversial is a good description. I do not find such a void to be particularly significant statistically. Newscientist is a bleeding edge publication, not that it diminishes the discussion, but does put it into perspective. Show the math.

Extragalactic Radio Sources and the WMAP Cold Spot
To create the magnitude and angular size of the WMAP cold spot requires a ~140 Mpc radius completely empty void at z<=1 along this line of sight. This is far outside the current expectations of the concordance cosmology, and adds to the anomalies seen in the CMB.

Garth
 
Thanks for the link, Garth! It is food for thought. I don't like the math, but I am no stranger to bad guesses.
 
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I look forward to your paper, Rudi.
 
  • #10
The idea that gravitation is the result of a distortion of the quantum vacuum by the presence of a mass is a very interesting hypothesis Rudi, have you submitted the paper to a peer reviewed journal?

To advocate a non-relativistic theory of gravitation you need to explain all the observations that GR predicts so well and further tests such as the Gravity Probe B satellite experiment that is being evaluated at this moment.

Garth
 
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  • #11
Garth said:
The idea that gravitation is the result of a distortion of the quantum vacuum by the presence of a mass is a very interesting hypothesis Rudi, have you submitted the paper to a peer reviewed journal?

To advocate a non-relativistic theory of gravitation you need to explain all the observations that GR predicts so well and further tests such as the Gravity Probe B satellite experiment that is being evaluated at this moment.

Garth

The idea that gravitation is the result of a distortion of the quantum vacuum by the presence of a mass was published in a peer reviewed journal (R. Van Nieuwenhove, Quantum Gravity : a Hypothesis, Europhysics Letters, 17 (1), pp. 1-4 (1992)).
Indeed, at this stage the theory is non-relativistic and it therefore can not predict all the effects which GR predicts. The MOND theory also started as a non-relativistic theory (before it was upgraded to the ugly relativistic TeVeS theory), so I will also need a lot of time before coming up with a relativistic theory.
One can say that GR predicts everything so well, but if it turns out that dark matter does not exist (of which I am convinced), then one could say that it is significantly wrong in describing galaxy rotation curves. And if it is wrong at this scale, it is surely very wrong on a cosmological scale.


Rudi Van Nieuwenhove
 
  • #12
As I am likewise working on an alternative theory I appreciate the problem!

I wish you well!

:smile:

Garth
 

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