An international team of physicists led by Professor Enrique Gaztañaga of the Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation at the University of Portsmouth has questioned the idea that the Universe began with the Big Bang.

This new theory challenges the traditional Big Bang model by proposing that our universe was born inside a black hole from a previous universe.

Published in Physical Review D, the model uses Einstein–Cartan theory, which includes quantum "torsion" to prevent singularities. Instead of a singular beginning, the universe undergoes a "bounce" inside the black hole, expanding outward to become a new cosmos.

This bounce naturally explains both the early rapid expansion (inflation) and the current accelerated expansion (dark energy), without needing exotic new particles or fields.

The model also predicts a slightly curved, closed universe—something future space missions like ESA’s ARRAKIHS or NASA’s SPHEREx may be able to detect.

One of the most compelling predictions is that our universe could carry the spin of the parent black hole, potentially explaining why two-thirds of galaxies seem to rotate in the same direction.

If confirmed by future observations, this cosmic spin could be a key signature supporting the theory.

In essence, this bold idea reimagines our universe not as the beginning of everything, but as part of a cosmic cycle, where each black hole could spawn a new universe—each with its own evolution.

On June 19th, wake up early and look to the east—because the universe has a surprise in store! Saturn, Neptune, and the crescent Moon will align in just the right way to form a giant cosmic ‘smiley face’ in the sky. This rare planetary configuration offers a moment of awe and wonder as the planets and Moon seem to grin down at Earth.

These types of celestial alignments are incredibly rare and visually striking, lasting only a short time before the orbits shift again. No telescope required—just clear skies and a good view of the horizon before sunrise. Mark your calendar and don’t miss this once-in-a-generation sky show!

#CelestialEvent #SmileyFaceSky #June19Sky #PlanetaryAlignment #Stargazing

Astronomers Just Found a Magnetar That Breaks All the Rules

Magnetars are among the most extreme objects in the universe—ultra-dense neutron stars with magnetic fields trillions of times stronger than Earth’s. But a recent discovery is turning our understanding of their origins upside down.

Using data from NASA’s Hubble and ESA’s Gaia space telescopes, scientists traced the motion of a magnetar named SGR 0501+4516—and what they found is shocking. Contrary to long-standing beliefs, this magnetar likely didn’t form from a typical core-collapse supernova.

SGR 0501 sits near a known supernova remnant called HB9, and for years, scientists assumed the two were connected. But precision tracking shows the magnetar couldn’t have come from HB9—or any nearby supernova explosion.

So where did it come from?

Researchers propose a more exotic origin: a white dwarf that collapsed after feeding off a companion star, growing too massive and unstable. This alternative path could form a magnetar without any supernova at all.

If confirmed, SGR 0501+4516 would be the strongest case yet for a magnetar formed through an unconventional route—forcing astronomers to rethink how these magnetic monsters are born and opening new doors in high-energy astrophysics.

RESEARCH
A.A. Chrimes et al., “The infrared counterpart and proper motion of magnetar SGR 0501+4516”, Astronomy & Astrophysics (2025)

Physicists may have found a surprising new link between the universe’s biggest and smallest mysteries—hidden in the twist of light.

In a groundbreaking study, researchers discovered that when photons journey through the warped fabric of spacetime, their polarization—the direction in which they vibrate—can behave in a way that defies classical expectations. Instead of returning to its original state, the polarization can shift in a phenomenon known as non-reciprocity. This subtle effect suggests that light, in the presence of gravity, may not be as predictable as once thought.

At the heart of this discovery is a shift in perspective—literally. By carefully adjusting the quantization axis, or the angle at which polarization is observed, scientists detected amplified changes in the photon’s orientation, known as Wigner Rotation Angles (WRAs). Remarkably, near massive objects like black holes, these shifts could be ten times greater than previously anticipated.

To test this theory, researchers propose using advanced space-based interferometers and quantum optical systems. If confirmed, this non-reciprocal twist could offer a new way to explore how quantum mechanics and general relativity interact—and may even challenge Einstein’s cherished Equivalence Principle.

“This opens up a new experimental window into some of physics’ biggest mysteries,” said Dr. Warner Miller, co-author of the study.

Published in Scientific Reports, the findings could reshape how we probe the cosmos—from the vast gravitational wells of black holes to the subatomic quirks of quantum particles.

It’s mind-blowing how ideas that once lived only in equations have helped us unlock the secrets of black holes, galaxies, and the fabric of time itself.

The universe speaks in numbers—and we’ve slowly learned how to listen.

#MathMeetsCosmos #UniverseInEquations #AstroWonder #BlackHoleMath #ScienceAndSpace