A bold new theory from astrophysicists at the University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy suggests the universe itself may be rotating-albeit at a nearly imperceptible pace. The study, led by Istvan Szapudi and published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, could offer a fresh explanation for the longstanding "Hubble tension" that has puzzled scientists for years.
Cur by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Apr 22, 2025
A bold new theory from astrophysicists at the University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy suggests the universe itself may be rotating-albeit at a nearly imperceptible pace. The study, led by Istvan Szapudi and published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, could offer a fresh explanation for the longstanding "Hubble tension" that has puzzled scientists for years.
Current cosmological models maintain that the universe expands uniformly in every direction, with no sign of spin. While this view aligns with the majority of observational data, it falls short of reconciling two conflicting measurements of cosmic expansion: one derived from observations of distant supernovae and the other from cosmic microwave background radiation. These methods yield differing values for the universe's expansion rate.
Szapudi and his collaborators approached the problem by first constructing a standard cosmological model, then subtly modifying it to incorporate an ultra-slow rotation. The adjustment proved transformative. "Much to our surprise, we found that our model with rotation resolves the paradox without contradicting current astronomical measurements. Even better, it is compatible with other models that assume rotation. Therefore, perhaps, everything really does turn. Or, Panta Kykloutai!" said Szapudi, echoing the ancient Greek concept that all things move.
The rotational rate proposed in the model is astonishingly slow: just one full revolution every 500 billion years. Though practically undetectable with existing instruments, such a rotation could subtly influence the way space expands over cosmic timescales.
Importantly, the theory does not contravene any established physical laws. If correct, it might unify previously incompatible observations and offer a new lens through which to view the cosmos. The researchers now aim to build a detailed computer simulation and seek observational evidence to test their rotating-universe hypothesis.
Research Report:Can rotation solve the Hubble Puzzle?
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University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy
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