A researcher from the Indian Institute of Technology in Jodhpur, Muhammad Ghulam Khuwajah Khan, has proposed a groundbreaking theory suggesting that outer space behaves like a viscous fluid, potentially reshaping our understanding of the universe. In a recent paper, which is pending peer review, Khan argues that this new model may help explain existing discrepancies observed in current cosmological theories.
Cosmologists have long debated the composition of outer space, with many attributing a significant portion to dark matter and dark energy. Traditionally, the Lambda Cold Dark Matter Model, commonly referred to as the ΛCDM model, has been the cornerstone of cosmological research. This model explains the Big Bang Theory, the role of dark matter in holding galaxies together, and the influence of dark energy in the universe’s expansion. The energy density of space, known as the cosmological constant and represented by the Greek letter Lambda (Λ), has been considered a stable attribute of the cosmos.
Recent findings, however, challenge this long-standing model. Data collected by the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) in Arizona and the Dark Energy Survey in Chile indicate discrepancies between telescopic observations and the predictions of the ΛCDM model. These inconsistencies suggest that dark energy, previously thought to be unchanging, may actually be diminishing as the universe ages.
In response to these findings, Khan’s theory introduces the concept of treating outer space as a viscous, elastic fluid. He posits that this fluid can contain what he terms “spatial phonons,” which are vibrations emitted by atoms that create waves of tension in space. According to Khan, while dark energy drives the expansion of the universe, these phonons exert a subtle counterforce, resulting in a non-uniform expansion of space.
This novel perspective retains the essence of dark energy as a cosmological constant while addressing the anomalies identified by recent observations. Khan believes that layering his fluid model over existing dark energy data could reconcile the inconsistencies seen in the ΛCDM model.
Despite the intriguing nature of Khan’s theory, further data from ongoing dark energy surveys will be essential to determine its validity. The scientific community remains watchful, as the implications of this research could significantly influence our understanding of the universe and its fundamental nature.
As the exploration of dark energy continues to evolve, Khan’s proposition adds a fresh dimension to the ongoing discourse among cosmologists. The quest for clarity in the cosmos remains a priority, and researchers will be keen to investigate whether this fluid model can withstand scrutiny or if it will fade into obscurity.