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An unprincipled Universe?

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  • Peter Coles

    (the Astronomy Unit, Queen Mary and Westfield College, University of London)

Abstract

The Cosmological Principle states that, on large enough scales, the Universe is the same in every place and in every direction. This assumption helps to form the basis of the Big Bang theory. But the Cosmological Principle is false, according to one analysis of galaxy redshift surveys, which implies that the Universe has a never-ending hierarchical structure in which galaxies group together in clusters which, in turn, group together in superclusters, and so on. This analysis is disputed by most astronomers, but is cause for concern -- if it is true, cosmology will be profoundly changed.

Suggested Citation

  • Peter Coles, 1998. "An unprincipled Universe?," Nature, Nature, vol. 391(6663), pages 120-121, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:391:y:1998:i:6663:d:10.1038_34283
    DOI: 10.1038/34283
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