The Blowtorch Theory: A new model for structure formation in the universe

For scientists interested in citation, this post can be cited in Chicago style as follows: Gough, Julian. “The Blowtorch Theory: A New Model for Structure Formation in the Universe.” The Egg and the Rock, March 19, 2025. https://theeggandtherock.com/p/the-blowtorch-theory-a-new-model. DOI to follow. THE PROBLEM We have known since the 1970s that our universe has a complex structure. Dense nodes, packed with galaxies and gas, are connected by long, thin, filaments of galaxies and gas, all surrounded by largely empty voids. This structure resembles the neural network in a brain, and is known as the Cosmic Web. Its extraordinary scale and complexity was not predicted in advance of observation, and came as a huge surprise. So, how did all this unexpected structure form? This is – and I cannot emphasise this enough – not a photo of the Cosmic Web. We don’t have fabulously detailed photos like this, for all sorts of reasons. This is a computer-generated image of what we think the Cosmic ... Read full article.