Why is the world the way it is? Over the years, scientists have explored many ideas to explain our world and beyond. Some of these ideas have stuck, but many have not. Here is a list of some of the most absurd theories in science.
The Big Bang Theory
In 1927, the American astronomer Edwin Hubble discovered that the universe was expanding. The Big Bang theory, supported by other scientists for more than 50 years, states that the universe began in a tiny ball of matter and exploded outwards to its current extent. It also says that all matter in the universe is constantly being created from this tiny primordial speck.
The Ether
The ether was believed to be the medium that light waves traveled in through space. Scientists used the ether explanation for decades but eventually determined that there was no substance that could transmit light waves.
Animal magnetism
This was the idea that humans can influence one another by manipulating their physical environment. English physician and scientist William Benjamin Carpenter, known as “Count Rumford,” proposed this idea in the 19th century.
The Bermuda Triangle
Home to some of the most mysterious disappearances in history, this triangular region in the North Atlantic Ocean is located between Bermuda, Miami, and Puerto Rico. Many ships have disappeared there over the years. This led some to believe that a supernatural force is at work in this area of the ocean. In the 1940s, Captain Charles Hardin believed that a similar supernatural force was at work in this region.
String Theory
String theory is a scientific model that attempts to explain everything in our universe through a unified theory. It was first put forth by physicists in 1984. This was to explain many different types of forces in nature including gravity, electromagnetism, and dark matter. Currently, there are about two dozen different versions of string theory. Each has its own name and set of rules for unifying all known forces.
Theory of Everything
This is a theory that focuses on the origins of the universe, not just physics in the universe. One of the most prominent proponents of this idea is British theoretical physicist and mathematician Stephen Hawking.
The Flat Earth Theory
At one time, there were many who believed that our earth is flat and that it only appears round due to atmospheric distortion. Prominent people who promoted this idea include British scientist John Cleves Symmes Jr., American politician Benjamin Franklin, and Swiss inventor Nicholas Fourier.
But still, we do know that there is no way the Earth is flat. Okay? The List is about “absurd” theories. So, we considered this one as well.
Abiogenesis
Abiogenesis is a theory that states life on earth began from non-living substances. Scientists believe this happened about 3.7 billion years ago when amino acids combined to form the first cell.
Cosmic Variance
This is a controversial idea put forth by physicists Stephen Hawking and Leonard Mlodinow in their book “The Grand Design.” It states that even if our universe began with the “Big Bang,” there are an infinite number of universes. This means it’s possible that other universes came into existence without the Big Bang, or even without a “God.” This idea has sparked much debate among scientists and religious leaders alike.
String Theory
String theory is a scientific model that attempts to explain everything in our universe through a unified theory. It was first put forth by physicists in 1984. This was to explain many different types of forces in nature including gravity, electromagnetism, and dark matter. Currently, there are about two dozen different versions of string theory. Each has its own name and set of rules for unifying all known forces.
Also read: Was our technological evolution just random?
The Second Coming
Believe it or not, there are actually people who believe that Jesus Christ will return to earth in the present day. This idea first gained popularity during the Middle Ages and has been promoted by many different people over the years, including William Miller of the Millerites and Harold Camping of Family Radio.
Stem Cell Therapy
It is the idea that states the injection of stem cells into a living organism could cure diseases or repair damaged tissues or organs. Although scientists have been able to isolate stem cells, there is no proof that injecting them into patients’ bodies necessarily leads to the health problems being cured. There are also many ethical concerns involved with this practice.
Super String Theory
This theory states that there are more than three dimensions and that all particles can be described mathematically as oscillating strings with various modes which interact with each other by way of vibrations that travel throughout the universe.
Concluding paragraph
While the above theories cover a wide range of topics, they all have one thing in common: a scientific approach to understanding the universe. With so many possible explanations for our origins, it’s not hard to see why there is so much debate on this subject. Nevertheless, these theories have been vital in helping scientists advance their knowledge about the universe around us.
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