24 May 2021
Do we have to kill off the theory of space and time to make sense of the universe?
(Image credit: Tobias Roetsch)
As in history, revolutions are the lifeblood of science. Bubbling undercurrents of disquiet boil over until a new regime emerges to seize power. Then everyone s attention turns to toppling their new ruler. The king is dead, long live the king.
This has happened many times in the history of physics and astronomy. First, we thought Earth was at the center of the solar system an idea that stood for over 1,000 years. Then
Copernicus stuck his neck out to say that the whole system would be a lot simpler if we are just another planet orbiting the sun. Despite much initial opposition, the old geocentric picture eventually buckled under the weight of evidence from the newly invented telescope.
Was Einstein wrong? Why some astrophysicists are questioning the theory of space-time space.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from space.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
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