Summary of Key Points
This article explores an alternative scientific perspective on the evolution of the universe: the theory that the cosmos, like living organisms, follows Darwinian principles of evolution. According to this theory, the universe "reproduces" by forming black holes, and each new universe inherits the physical laws of its parent while undergoing slight variations. Through a process akin to "cosmic natural selection," the most conducive configurations for producing more black holes are eventually favored. This idea has been revived by poet Julian Highfield, who, through self-study in interdisciplinary fields and analysis of data from the James Webb Space Telescope, made predictions about the existence of supermassive black holes in the early universe, which have been partially confirmed by subsequent observations. Although this theory still faces many scientific challenges, it challenges traditional views of the cosmos and prompts new reflections on its nature.
I. The Theory of Cosmic Evolution: Applying Darwinian Principles to the Universe
Traditional cosmological models depict the universe as a static, complex entity that formed by chance, akin to a stone. In contrast, proponents of cosmic evolution see the universe as more similar to an egg—something that grows, reproduces, and evolves over time.
The core logic is straightforward:
1. Reproduction: Black holes act as the "reproductive tools" of the universe. The singularities within black holes (where matter is compressed to infinite density) can expand, giving rise to new universes.
2. Inheritance and Variation: New universes inherit the physical laws of their parents (such as the strength of gravity and the speed of light), but with minor variations, similar to genetic mutations in living organisms.
3. Natural Selection: Universes that are better at producing black holes will have more offspring. Our universe is considered an "optimized version" because it is adept at creating black holes (for example, through the collapse of massive stars), giving it a competitive advantage within the cosmic "family."
To illustrate this, imagine the universe as a tree with branching branches; each branch represents a new universe, and black holes are the nodes where these branches emerge.
II. From the Fringes to Mainstream Attention: The History of the Theory
The theory of cosmic evolution is not new, but it has long remained in the shadows of mainstream science:
- Origin: In 1992, theoretical physicist Lee Smolin proposed this idea, inspired by scientists like Stephen Hawking who suggested that black holes might give birth to new universes. However, it was dismissed by the scientific community due to its difficulty in verification and its seemingly fantastical nature.
- Rebirth: The theory gained attention when poet Julian Highfield (author of the short story "My World") stumbled upon it. Intrigued by how the universe evolved from a hot gas cloud into a complex system with stars and life, he began studying cosmology and evolution and started a column titled "Egg or Stone" to explore this topic.
- Breakthrough: Highfield used data from the upcoming Webb Space Telescope to make predictions about the early universe, which were later confirmed, bringing the theory back into the public spotlight.
III. The Role of the Webb Space Telescope: Does Highfield’s Prediction Hold Up?
Highfield’s prediction was based on a clever reasoning: If universes reproduce through black holes, the earliest ones should still exhibit the most primitive forms of reproduction—direct collapse into black holes without the need for complex structures like stars. He predicted that the Webb Telescope would detect supermassive black holes within 100 million years after the Big Bang and that these black holes would have played a role in the formation of galaxies.
In 2022, the Webb Space Telescope’s data confirmed Highfield’s predictions:
- Galaxies were found to exist just 100 million years after the Big Bang.
- In galaxies from 470 million years after the Big Bang, a supermassive black hole was discovered with a mass comparable to the total mass of all the surrounding stars.
These findings exceeded the expectations of traditional models and aligned with Highfield’s predictions, earning him some research funding and recognition from scientists.
IV. The Mainstream Science Community’s Hesitations: Why Isn’t the Theory Accepted?
Despite observational support, the theory of cosmic evolution faces three major challenges:
1. Perception as Pseudoscience: Highfield’s non-academic background (as a poet) led many scientists to question his findings from the outset.
2. Scientific Doubts:
- The nature of black holes (singularities with infinite density) makes it difficult to understand how they could give rise to new universes; this requires breakthroughs in quantum gravity theory, which has not yet been achieved.
- There is no evidence showing how physical laws are transmitted from the parent universe to its offspring.
3. Observational Limitations: We can only observe our own universe, making it challenging to prove the existence of multiple universes.
Mainstream scientists argue that traditional models can also explain the Webb Telescope’s findings (although not completely), and the theory of cosmic evolution needs more substantial evidence to be accepted.
V. The Value of the Theory: More Than Just Science
Even if the theory of cosmic evolution is eventually disproven, its significance is profound:
- Interdisciplinary Inspiration: It combines evolutionary biology with cosmology, breaking down disciplinary barriers and prompting scientists to rethink the origins of complexity.
- Openness to New Ideas: It reminds us that mainstream science is not absolute; many great theories (such as Darwin’s evolution) began as fringe ideas.
- The Power of Curiosity: Highfield’s story shows that non-professionals can drive scientific progress with enough curiosity and action.
In conclusion, the article emphasizes that there is still much unknown about the universe. Maintaining a sense of wonder and openness is essential for the pursuit of knowledge.
(P.S. Don’t miss the next total solar eclipse; as Highfield says, these cosmic phenomena help us connect with the universe.)