In a comparison between the ocean and space, they say we know more of space than we know of the ocean. Although we do know more about space, there still exists a gargantuan cloud of mystery that looms over it and the surprise discoveries keep on coming. As recently as 2021, scientists and astronomers alike have been baffled by a new discovery. Pointing at the center of a black hole in the galactic atmosphere of space, an unknown and mysterious structure has been sighted. It is estimated to measure approximately 2.3 light years in length and it takes on a snake-like shape. At a glance from the images that have captured it, it appears like a strand of thread although most certainly much, much larger than one and has a rosy, fiery red color, similar to the black hole it seems to be embedded around. So what is it? That’s the crazy part. Scientists do not know. Black holes in and of themselves have a lot of mystery surrounding them so this new and particular discovery just adds to that element of mystery.
Theory #1: The Particle Theory
It can be unsatisfying and frustrating to feel like there isn’t a solid answer to explain this surprising phenomenon. But on the bright side, we are not completely in the dark. Scientists have compiled a set of possible theories as an explanation as to what the strange snake-like filament pointing at the black hole could possibly be. One such possibility is that it could be the aftermath of particles ricocheting as a result of the commotion within the black hole. This theory theorizes that the speedy whirling motions of the black hole as well as the gases within may as a result, conjure up some sort of vertical magnetic field - the snake-like filament being said magnetic field.
Theory #2: Cosmic String, is That You?
A second theory that scientists have conjured up is the possibility of the age-old mystery that are cosmic strings. Could the curved thread-like structure be a cosmic string? Now what is a cosmic string exactly, you might ask? First off, a little disclaimer is that it is not even confirmed that they actually do in fact exist which yes, is a bit frustrating. However, playing along the prospect that they are indeed among the millions of factions that make up space, cosmic strings are said to be essentially the fractures of the universe. Yes, fractures, cracks, indiscrepancies … whatever you want to call it. The cosmic strings theory is in correlation to the infamous “Big Bang Theory” and is theorized to primarily point back to the times of the birth and origins of the universe. Along those lines, it is believed that at one point in time everything in the universe was one before expanding and disintegrating into other individual parts. As a result of all of those reactions and forces taking place during the expansion and fragmentation processes, cosmologists propose that perhaps the cosmos cooled at a pace too fast that led to time essentially being fractured hence leading to the emersion of energy filled tube-like structures that spanned the length of the universe or in simpler terms: cosmic strings. Since there hasn’t been much solid confirmation to validate the claims of the existence of such structures in the universe, it is hard to say whether what was identified pointing towards the black hole is in fact a remnant of said cosmic strings. But the potential prospect of it has left scientists excited that this may possibly be a breakthrough into possibly validating their existence. Not only would it be exciting for cosmologists, astronomers, and scientists alike but also for any one intrigued by or fantasizing about the prospects of time travel. If they do exist, cosmic strings are theorized to harness the potential for time travel thanks to their resilience and gravitational pull. However, that’s us getting a bit ahead of ourselves.