Other What are possible research questions to pursue in cosmology?

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The discussion revolves around seeking original research questions in cosmology, particularly for those without access to experimental facilities like particle accelerators. The importance of understanding existing research and open questions in the field is emphasized, as well as the value of mentorship in pursuing research. It is noted that discovering something new is challenging at the high school or undergraduate level, and involvement in ongoing projects can provide valuable experience. The conversation also suggests that asking mentors or advisors directly may yield better guidance. Engaging in theoretical research is encouraged, but practical support is deemed essential for success.
Daine
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Hi all!
I am currently trying to figure out a possible original research question that I can pursue in cosmology. I don't have ready access to a particle accelerator or anything like that so I would assume that it would have to be theoretical. I am sorry to ask such a broad question, but I don't know what else to try. I have come up with several question of my own, but after some light research into them, I have found that they are either not plausible or have already been done. Please help!
Thank you for your time.
 
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On what level? As high school project, as undergrad project, as PhD project, or beyond?
As high school project you can't expect to discover something new, and even as undergrad project that will be very challenging (and need some guidance from experienced cosmologists).
 
Usually the way that research works is that you start by learning enough about the subject matter that you know what the open questions in the field are, what approaches others have tried in the past to solve them, and what approaches others are currently working on.

That's not meant to dampen your enthusiasm though. Sometimes students can get involved in ongoing research projects to learn about the process of doing research itself as well as getting a new perspective on the field. You can't learn everything out of a textbook after all. Having a mentor helps considerably. So if you're really interested in dong research, its probably in your interest to find someone with an ongoing project that you can help out with.
 
Daine said:
Hi all!
I am currently trying to figure out a possible original research question that I can pursue in cosmology. I don't have ready access to a particle accelerator or anything like that so I would assume that it would have to be theoretical. I am sorry to ask such a broad question, but I don't know what else to try. I have come up with several question of my own, but after some light research into them, I have found that they are either not plausible or have already been done. Please help!
Thank you for your time.

If you are doing this as part of an academic program, then why aren't you asking this to your Mentor/Supervisor/Advisor?

If you are already a professional in this area, then this is a rather odd question to be asking in a public forum.

If you are a non-professional and doing this as a side hobby, then good luck!

Zz.
 
Hey, I am Andreas from Germany. I am currently 35 years old and I want to relearn math and physics. This is not one of these regular questions when it comes to this matter. So... I am very realistic about it. I know that there are severe contraints when it comes to selfstudy compared to a regular school and/or university (structure, peers, teachers, learning groups, tests, access to papers and so on) . I will never get a job in this field and I will never be taken serious by "real"...
Yesterday, 9/5/2025, when I was surfing, I found an article The Schwarzschild solution contains three problems, which can be easily solved - Journal of King Saud University - Science ABUNDANCE ESTIMATION IN AN ARID ENVIRONMENT https://jksus.org/the-schwarzschild-solution-contains-three-problems-which-can-be-easily-solved/ that has the derivation of a line element as a corrected version of the Schwarzschild solution to Einstein’s field equation. This article's date received is 2022-11-15...
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