Our earth may be so large that it remains insignificant on the scale of the universe. It extends beyond what our technology allows us to observe, and many secrets are hidden at the far end of the universe. Among these burning questions, there is one thing that has always fascinated astronomers: the shape of the universe. Is this a simple sphere as consciousness suggests or is reality more complex? Recently, French researchers at the University of Lyon added a new layer of complexity to this gigantic puzzle. In their opinion, the universe is actually in the shape of a torus, known as a donut. But these are not the only ones: it could be a three-dimensional donut – or more accurately a Three-dimensional manifold torus-, confusingly interesting features.

Diffuse Cosmological Background Fuse sells

To reach this conclusion Already considered In the past, Thomas Butcher and his team of astronomers analyzed one of the oldest known phenomena: Expand the universal background. This is the remaining radiation from the Big Bang, the source of our world; It’s very interesting for many reasons, but in this particular case its interest is that it can tell a lot about the shape of the universe.

In fact, the theory suggests that in an infinite space, these disturbances of the cosmic background will appear on all scales, from the smallest to the largest. With the help of inquiry WMAP From NASA and the satellite Max Planck So the researchers scrutinized this radiation to map it on different scales. And then there Surprise : Researchers’ surveys show that Some wavelengths of this radiation are not visible.

These results are in line with what is expected to be found in the standard cosmological model of the universe as infinite. On the other hand, they Very similar to the models Made with a Torn; That’s it Strongly suggests that the universe would indeed be a three-dimensional donut. “The conclusion of our thesis is that the model of the finite universe is better than the model of the infinite universe by observing the background of the universe.”, Summarizes Thomas Butchert.

Model change to be expected?

This statement may have significant implications. Because according to the various existing models, a toroidal universe is not limited, but much smaller than a thought; This would be three or four times the size of the observable universe, hundreds of theories that have come into force so far.

This also means that gradually, the universe will cause itself to leap instead of stretching indefinitely. Another consequence of this curious summation form: the universe can theoretically present what mathematicians and astronomers call it. Topological mirage. If a spaceship travels in one direction without stopping, it must eventually end at its starting point … However, if it moves beyond the speed of expansion of the universe.

If you want to delve deeper into the intriguing but very complex question of cosmic topology, this Great introduction Jean-Pierre Luminate is a gateway.