Possible Observational Evidence for the Existence of a Parallel Universe

Many totally different kinds of astrophysical observations demonstrated that, in our universe, there exists a preferred direction. Specifically, from observations in a wide range of frequencies, the alignment of various preferred directions in different data sets was found. Moreover, the observed Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) quadrupole, CMB octopole, radio and optical polarizations from distant sources also indicate the same preferred direction. While this hints at a gravitational pull from the “outside”, the observational data from the Plank satellite showed that the bulk flow velocity was relatively small: much smaller than was initially thought. In the present paper we propose a configuration where two three-dimensional universes (one of which is ours) are embedded in a four-dimensional space and rotate about their barycenter in such a way that the centrifugal force nearly (but not exactly) compensates their mutual gravitational pull. This would explain not only the existence of a preferred direction for each of the three-dimensional universes (the direction to the other universe), but also the fact that the bulk flow velocity, observed in our universe, is relatively small. We point out that this configuration could also explain the perplexing features of the Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP), previously called Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs), recorded by various detection systems—the features presented in the latest official report by the US Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Thus, the proposed configuration of the two rotating, parallel three-dimensional universes seems to explain both the variety of astrophysical observations and (perhaps) the observed features of the UAP.

Stories of a Certain Gravity

Before delving into gravitational waves, I illustrate, with nine short stories, the fascinating history of gravity, shedding light on the actual lives and contributions of leading scientists and astronomers, from Tycho Brahe’s adventurous life and grotesque death, to Johannes Kepler’s intuitions and passionate prose. And from Newton’s resolution to cut the Gordian knot of the origin of gravity with his theory of universal gravitation, to Einstein’s heroic struggle to derive the equations of general relativity. Gravity is the weakest of the fundamental forces in nature, yet it subjugates us from the moment we are born. After nine months floating in the womb, suspended in the enveloping heat of the amniotic fluid, we are suddenly confronted with the gravitational pull of our planet. Gravity thus manifests itself as weight, and forces our helpless bodies to the ground, establishing a universal and defining aspect of the human condition.

Probing dark matter clumps, strings and domain walls with gravitational wave detectors

Gravitational wave astronomy has recently emerged as a new way to study our Universe. In this work, we survey the potential of gravitational wave interferometers to detect macroscopic astrophysical objects comprising the dark matter. Starting from the well-known case of clumps we expand to cosmic strings and domain walls. We also consider the sensitivity to measure the dark matter power spectrum on small scales. Our analysis is based on the fact that these objects, when traversing the vicinity of the detector, will exert a gravitational pull on each node of the interferometer, in turn leading to a differential acceleration and corresponding Doppler signal, that can be measured. As a prototypical example of a gravitational wave interferometer, we consider signals induced at LISA. We further extrapolate our results to gravitational wave experiments sensitive in other frequency bands, including ground-based interferometers, such as LIGO, and pulsar timing arrays, e.g. ones based on the Square Kilometer Array. Assuming moderate sensitivity improvements beyond the current designs, clumps, strings and domain walls may be within reach of these experiments.

Error estimation on extracorporeal trajectory determination from body scans

This study explores the magnitude of two sources of error that are introduced when extracorporeal bullet trajectories are based on post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) and/or surface scanning of a body. The first source of error is caused by an altered gravitational pull on soft tissue, which is introduced when a body is scanned in another position than it had when hit. The second source of error is introduced when scanned images are translated into a virtual representation of the victim’s body. To study the combined magnitude of these errors, virtual shooting trajectories with known vertical angles through five “victims” (live test persons) were simulated. The positions of the simulated wounds on the bodies were marked, with the victims in upright positions. Next, the victims were scanned in supine position, using 3D surface scanning, similar to a body’s position when scanned during a PMCT. Seven experts, used to working with 3D data, were asked to determine the bullet trajectories based on the virtual representations of the bodies. The errors between the known and determined trajectories were analysed and discussed. The results of this study give a feel for the magnitude of the introduced errors and can be used to reconstruct actual shooting incidents using PMCT data.

Liminal lieux de mémoire

This article examines the representation of postcolonial memory in Tony Gatlif’s 2004 film Exils / Exiles. The constant movement that occurs in the film through travel, music, and dance reinforces the permanent dislocation of the film’s pied-noir and beurette protagonists. The film’s road-movie narrative represents, on the one hand, a gravitational pull away from the French Republican integrationist ‘centre’ towards an increasingly complex and diverse landscape of cultural identities linked by France’s colonial history, and on the other, a sense of nostalgia for an Algeria that no longer exists and may never have existed. In so doing, Exils represents modern metropolitan France as a dynamic and polycentric postcolonial space whose lieux de mémoire can and should be positioned not only in geographical and cultural territories that lie outside its contemporary national borders, but also in the liminal spaces that characterize the migrant experience. In line with the title of Gatlif’s film, the protagonists find themselves in a state of permanent exile, both from Algeria and from France. The ‘destination’ of the return to cultural origin, Algeria, emerges as a fundamental but nevertheless mirage-like lieu de mémoire that, notwithstanding its cultural and geographical significance, serves primarily to facilitate a deeper understanding by the protagonists of their personal and collective identity that has long been internalized in the unanchored liminal space of the postcolonial migrant journey.

Distance Between Two Circles In Any Number Of Dimensions Is A Vector Ellipse

Based on measured astronomical position data of heavenly objects in the Solar System and other planetary systems, all bodies in space seem to move in some kind of elliptical motion with respect to each other, whereas objects follow parabolic escape orbits while moving away from Earth and bodies asserting a gravitational pull, and some comets move in near-hyperbolic orbits when they approach the Sun. In this article, it is first mathematically proven that the “distance between points on any two different circles in three-dimensional space” is equivalent to the “distance of points on a vector ellipse from another fixed or moving point, as in two-dimensional space.” Then, it is further mathematically demonstrated that “distance between points on any two different circles in any number of multiple dimensions” is equivalent to “distance of points on a vector ellipse from another fixed or moving point”. Finally, two special cases when the “distance between points on two different circles in multi-dimensional space” become mathematically equivalent to distances in “parabolic” or “near-hyperbolic” trajectories are investigated. Concepts of “vector ellipse”, “vector hyperbola”, and “vector parabola” are also mathematically defined. The mathematical basis derived in this Article is utilized in the book “Everyhing Is A Circle: A New Model For Orbits Of Bodies In The Universe” in asserting a new Circular Orbital Model for moving bodies in the Universe, leading to further insights in Astrophysics.

Аerodynamic drag at small Reynolds numbers and the method of calculation of the air velocity in one- and many-row finned beams with an exhaust shaft

The periodic switching of fans at certain ambient air temperatures and a constant power is a promising method to enhance the energy operating efficiency of air-cooled heat exchangers. Equipping these heat exchangers with devices increasing the propulsion (for example, an exhaust shaft) facilitates the intensification of heat transfer due to strengthening the free movement of air by lifting forces. Meanwhile, the heat exchanger is used at the mixed convection regime. To make the thermal design of air-cooled heat exchangers with an exhaust shaft, we must have data on the aerodynamic drag of tube beams at small Reynolds numbers (Re < 1000) that permit to calculate the air flow velocity. However, at present, studies on the aerodynamic drag at mixed convection are virtually missing. Moreover, it is necessary to take into account the influence of external air flows on the gravitational pull created by the shaft since air-cooled heat exchangers are designed for outdoor use. Using the results of the experimental investigation, we obtained information about the mass-exchange processes in the finned beam and the exhaust shaft, developed a method for calculating the air velocity in one- and many-row finned beams with the exhaust shaft and determined their aerodynamic drag at small Reynolds numbers. We also established the influence of external air flows on the gravitational pull created by the shaft.

Expansion-Oriented View On Origin of Oceans

Both the concepts of plate tectonics and continental drift conceive that the planet earth’s dimension, associated with its oceans, has remained unchanged throughout the past geological periods. In contrast, Hilgenberg’s model of earth expansion endorses that initially the planet was considerably small and devoid of oceans [1]. Based on earth expansion theory the author has pointed out that since the primordial condensed or small earth was devoid of oceans, initially the ocean-forming water must have been associated with the mantle, thereby turning that geosphere considerably fluid and pre-eminently suitable for planetary expansion. Expansion of the planet appears to have been caused owing to swelling up of the semi-fluid mantle in response to an external gravitational pull caused by an extra-terrestrial planetary body, probably the Moon. The primordial earth was completely covered with a relatively thin granitic crust, which, due to swelling up of the mantle developed a number of long and sinuous expansion cracks. Through these expansion cracks widespread eruption of molten magma took place spreading on both sides of the cracks to form rudimentary oceans basins. With continued expansion, the dimension of the oceans was broadened while the expansion cracks turned in to mid-oceanic ridges. Associated with expulsion of molten lava, large quantum of volatiles, chiefly constituted of water was released from the mantle that formed the ocean water while due to desiccation of the mantle, the process of expansion was eventually stopped.

Anatomy and Aging of the Perioral Region

Perioral region, although severely impacted by facial aging, is often overlooked in texts on facial rejuvenation. Sun exposure, bone resorption, dynamic contraction of the sphincteric and nonsphincteric oral musculature, gravitational pull, histological changes of the skin, and unhealthy habits all take their toll in this area. Fine wrinkling on the lips, deep nasolabial and mentolabial folds, elongation and flattening of the upper lip, downturned corners of the mouth, marionette lines, diminished vermillion and upper teeth show and chin irregularities are the main signs of this process, raising great concern amongst patients and making the perioral region the most demanded area for facial rejuvenation treatment. A huge armamentarium of surgical and nonsurgical techniques, with or without complex technology, are available to tailor patient's specific needs, from chemodenervation and mild chemical peels to operations designed to restore the size and shape of the lips. In this article we perform a comprehensive review of the contemporary treatment of the aging perioral area, detailing the most common techniques and their nuances.