I We live in a cosmic void so empty that it breaks the laws of cosmology
Mounting evidence suggests our galaxy sits at the centre of an expanse of nothingness 2 billion light years wide. If so, we may have to rethink our understanding of the universe By Miriam Frankel <https://www.newscientist.com/author/miriam-frankel/> 15 April 2024 Ever feel like you are stuck in a hole? Newsflash: you are. Astronomers call it the “local hole”, but that is quite the understatement*. It is vast, gigantic, enormously huge – although, in truth, adjectives fail us when it comes to this expanse of nothingness*. It is the largest cosmic void we know of, spanning 2 billion light years. Our galaxy happens to be near its centre, but the trouble with this hole isn’t that it presents a proximate danger – more that it shouldn’t exist at all. That is, if one of our most firmly held beliefs about the cosmos <https://www.newscientist.com/article-topic/cosmology/> is true. That assumption, known as the cosmological principle, says that the universe’s matter should be evenly distributed on the largest scales. It is the cornerstone on which much of modern cosmology is built. If the void is real, then that stone might be crumbling. For this reason, few dared to believe the void could be genuine. But evidence has mounted in recent years, and astronomers have moved from doubt to begrudging acceptance. They have also discovered other similarly vast structures. So now the question is being asked with increasing urgency: if we really are living in a void, do we need to drastically modify our models of the cosmos? That might involve rethinking gravity <https://www.newscientist.com/article-topic/gravity/>, the nature of dark matter, or both. II AUSTIN, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) — The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is recommending appropriate safety measures to protect backyard flocks following several confirmed positive cases of Trichomoniasis among doves across the state. The TPWD reported that the National Wildlife Health Center confirmed several doves across the state had tested positive for the infectious disease affecting birds. Trichomoniasis is a disease caused by a single-celled parasite (Trichomonas gallinae) that affects mostly pigeons and doves, according to the TPWD. The infection could spread to finches and birds of prey that feed on the remains of infected doves*.* Infected birds may appear weak and have a “fluffed up appearance.” Birds may also have difficulty swallowing or breathing as the inflammation creates plaques that affect the airways and esophagus. Food and water sources, such as backyard bird feeders and birdbaths, can become contaminated from the mouths of infected birds said officials. The TPWD said it recommends “practicing appropriate biosecurity protocols,” in an effort to reduce contact with backyard flocks. Landowners who see sick or dead doves or pigeons on their property should discontinue the use of bird feeders or bird baths until affected birds are gone from the area. Bird feeders and baths should be cleaned frequently using a weak solution of household bleach, rinsed well, and dried before re-use. It is recommended to periodically clean and disinfect bird feeders and baths, even if sick or dead birds have not been seen on the property, as this can help prevent future disease outbreaks, said TPWD. K RAJARAM IRS 16424 NB Now science feels the big bang is not the beginning but something else should have happened. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Thatha_Patty" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to thatha_patty+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/thatha_patty/CAL5XZorj1ZfSwFhrEwhhJWBDpVr7DM_oRAze%2Bq%3DipRjn_VW-2A%40mail.gmail.com.
