Chapter 444: Universe Island Theory vs. Galaxy Cosmology! Shocking reversal! Shocked the whole audience!
At the American Museum of Natural History, an exciting debate is about to begin.
Among the thousands of spectators present, there were scientists, engineers, and more ordinary people.
But no matter what their status is, as long as they are normal humans, they will have the same hobbies.
That is the curiosity about the universe and the stars.
Astronomers' understanding of the universe has evolved from the geocentric theory to the heliocentric theory to the current Milky Way.
Thousands of years have passed.
There are so many touching stories.
Li Qiwei’s speech inspired the imagination and curiosity of everyone present.
“How big is our universe?”
Today, perhaps a final answer will be discussed.
After Li Qiwei finished speaking, he returned to his seat.
He will form a jury together with Haer and other astronomy tycoons to evaluate the content of the debate between the two on the stage.
At this moment, the eyes of the entire audience were focused on both sides of the debate.
On the verge of breaking out!
Shapley took a deep breath and let it out quickly.
He spoke first in this debate.
Looking at the dense crowd of people in the audience, Shapley felt a heat rush through his body.
As a rising star in the field of astronomy, the 35-year-old Shapley can be described as a role model for young talents.
After graduating from college, he went to Princeton University to study under the American astronomer Henry Russell.
Under the guidance of the other party, he was the first to propose that "the solar system is not at the center of the Milky Way" by calculating the distance between stars.
This achievement made the young Shapley immediately famous in the astronomy community.
But, this is not enough!
Because someone had proposed a similar idea long before him.
So, although this result is shocking, it is far from satisfying Shapley.
He has greater ambitions.
Today, he will use his research results to prove that the Milky Way is the entire universe!
This will end astronomers’ understanding of the universe for thousands of years.
Shapley said:
“Because there are many non-astronomy majors here today.”
"So, like Professor Bruce, I will explain my point of view in very easy-to-understand language."
"There are actually two core issues in the scale of the universe.
"The first is the size and shape of the Milky Way. ”
“The second is the distance between other unknown celestial bodies and the earth. "
"Today's debate will also focus on two aspects. ”
"Before I elaborate on my theory, I would like to first introduce the so-called universe island theory."
"The biggest evidence why Mr. Curtis and many astronomers insist on the universe island theory is the so-called [vortex] Nebula]."
"Nebula is Refers to a celestial unit that looks like a cloud. "
"It is a general term in the field of astronomy and can refer to any diffuse celestial body."
"For example, it is made of thin gas. A single celestial body composed of dust.”
"Or as the universe island theory believes, each nebula is a galaxy similar to the Milky Way."
"And spiral nebulae means that the shape of the nebula is spiral."
> "A long time ago, astronomers observed snails through telescopes. The existence of spiral nebulae."
"After hundreds of years of accumulation, more than 100,000 spiral nebulae have been discovered."
"Many astronomers are thinking about so many nebulae. , how is it possible that they are all within the Milky Way?”
"So, the universe island theory came into being."
"However, this requires evidence."
"And to prove this, just measure how far these nebulae are from the earth. Yes."
"Because according to the data from supporters of the universe island theory, the diameter of the Milky Way is 30,000 light years."
"Light year means that the distance of light is within one year. The straight-line distance traveled.”
"So, if the nebulae are more than 30,000 light-years away from the earth, it proves that they must be outside the Milky Way."
"Even if it cannot be proved that the Spiral Nebula is the same galaxy as the Milky Way, it at least breaks the argument that the Milky Way is the universe All views."
"And this. This evidence comes from Mr. Curtis. "In 1917, he discovered a special celestial body called a nova in the spiral nebula."
"The so-called nova. , we can understand it vividly as a bright star. ”
"The brightness of a nova is inversely proportional to the square of the observation distance."
"So it can be used to measure the distance between celestial bodies in the universe, also known as [standard candle]."
< br>"Mr. Curtis used this principle to first The diameter of the Milky Way was measured to be 30,000 light-years."
"Then he calculated that the distance between the nebulae and the earth was more than 200,000 light-years."
"This proved that these. The nebula lies outside the Milky Way ”
"The above is the general content of the universe island theory."
Wow!
Shapley's opening gave everyone present a feeling of sudden enlightenment.
Astronomy, which was originally mysterious and mysterious in everyone’s eyes, suddenly became down-to-earth.
“So this is the origin of the universe island theory.”
"Looking at it this way, astronomy is quite simple. Just measure the distance."
"Haha, you think people's measurement is the same as measuring the length of your feet with a ruler."
"That requires collecting and calculating thousands of pieces of raw data."
"And it also requires many clever methods."
After everyone laughed, they suddenly discovered a problem.
Why did Shapley not talk about his own theory when he came up, but instead explained his opponent's theory in a clear and logical manner?
Haier smiled at Li Qiwei and other big guys:
“This young man Shapley is very good.”
“He wants to overthrow Curtis’ Theory, to prove your theory in disguise."
"This will be more impactful."
Sure enough, as soon as he finished speaking, he heard Shapley continue:
“And what I want to say is that Mr. Curtis’s method is wrong.”
“He used the new star. As a measurement tool, the measured diameter of the Milky Way is inaccurate."
"Next, I will introduce the method I use: variable star clusters and globular star clusters."
Wow!
Everyone exclaimed!
As soon as the debate started, it was full of excitement!
The show is about to begin.
Although many people present did not understand what Shapley said.
But it doesn’t hinder others’ momentum, which is awesome.
"My dear, just because Shapley can speak so many professional words, I will obey him."
"He is a big shot in astronomy at first glance."
Best in public debate The strategy is never to refute the opponent, but to incite the audience's emotions and create strong off-field pressure.
Sometimes, the cheers from the audience are far more important than logic.
At this time, many people involuntarily turned their eyes to Curtis on the other side.
I was sweating for him in my heart.
In the eyes of everyone, Shapley knew Curtis well.
To paraphrase a Chinese proverb, if you know your enemy and your ally, you will never be in danger of a hundred battles.
Obviously Shapley came prepared and was very aggressive.
However, facing the pressure of everyone's attention, Curtis' face did not show the panic he imagined.
He didn't seem to care about his opponent's analysis at all. He looked calm and relaxed, as if he had everything under control.
This made everyone puzzled.
"Does Curtis have any hidden methods?"
Shapley also noticed the other party's expression.
The doubts in my heart just disappeared for a moment.
He never underestimated any opponent.
Curtis is even a professor of astronomy, so the other party cannot lose easily.
Moreover, he knew very well that the cheers and support of most of the audience did not mean anything.
Because those present today are not just ordinary people, but also many astronomy seniors and big shots.
There is even a great being like Professor Bruce.
Therefore, he must use all his strength to defeat the opponent head-on.
“Besides, even if you have a trump card, Curtis, don’t I have any?”
At this moment, Shapley was full of confidence, and he continued:
"In order to measure the diameter of the Milky Way more accurately, we should first understand its structure."
"But there are more than 100 billion stars in the Milky Way. Such an astronomical number, one star at a time It’s unrealistic to count them.”
“So, I thought of another method, which is to detect the [skeleton] of the Milky Way.”
“For example, based on the bone structure of the human body, we can roughly determine the height, shortness, fatness, and thinness of the person. ."
"Similarly, for the Milky Way. , its skeleton is [globular star cluster]. "
"A star cluster refers to a group of stars composed of tens of thousands to millions of stars."
"They are in the night sky. It is very bright and can be easily observed through a telescope.”
"The so-called globular star cluster, as the name suggests, means that the shape of the star cluster is spherical."
"Currently, there are more than 100 such globular star clusters in the Milky Way."
"As long as it is measured The distance between them and the distance from them to the earth can be drawn Work out the shape and size of the entire Milky Way. "
"My measurement is divided into two steps."
"The first step is to find the cluster variable stars in each globular cluster and use them. They are used as standard candles to measure the distance from the globular cluster to the Earth."
"The second step is, if no cluster variable stars can be found in some globular clusters, then the entire globular cluster is regarded as a standard candle."
"Then use globular clusters with known distances to estimate distant globular clusters ."
"In the end, I will make more than 100 The distances of the globular clusters were all measured."
"The size and shape of the Milky Way were obtained."
"According to my measurements, the Milky Way is 300,000 light-years in diameter. , a disk structure 30,000 light-years thick.”
"So, such a huge range is enough to accommodate the entire universe."
"The nebulae discovered in the universe island theory are only 200,000 light-years away from the earth and are still within the Milky Way."
< br>“They are not so-called galaxies, but newborn stars.”
“Because the origin of stars comes from the accumulation of dust in the universe.”
“And nebulae are the initial stages of stars. The state of time.”
"That's my point."
Wow!
Shapley finished his speech, causing a sensation in the audience.
Because his method is obviously more meticulous than Curtis's.
He drew the shape of the Milky Way. Not only the diameter, but also the width was given numerical values.
The melon-eating crowd immediately shouted 666.
"It turns out that the Milky Way we live in is a big plate."
"And the solar system is on the edge of the plate."
"Oh! God! Three hundred thousand light years How long do you have to walk on your legs?”
“Don’t think about it, I’m afraid you won’t even be able to walk this distance until the day the universe explodes.”
"A Milky Way is so big. If the universe island theory is correct, wouldn't there be 100,000 such large galaxies?"
"Oh my God! This is simply a fantasy! It is really difficult to Imagine."
Everyone was talking about it.
Yu Qingsong sat behind Li Qiwei. He looked at the photo of the universe projected by Shapley in front of him, with mixed feelings in his heart.
A good astronomer must need a good telescope. And a good telescope must also be installed in a good observatory.
Because of the earth's cloud cover, weather and other reasons, the location of the observatory is very particular.
The reason why Mount Wilson Observatory is awesome is because its location is very good and the photos it takes are clear and stable.
That’s why many major astronomical results will be published there.
Every time I think of Hubble standing at the Mount Wilson Observatory, he can use the 2.5-meter ultra-large telescope to look up at the stars.
Yu Qingsong felt envious in his heart.
“President Gao Lu is now frustrated in choosing the location of the Purple Mountain Observatory.”
“And there are no large-scale professional telescopes in China.”
“The development of domestic astronomy is really unrealistic. It’s a long way to go!”
“I will try my best to solve these two problems after I return to China.”
Yu Qingsong secretly made up his mind.
He has full confidence because China has Professor Li.
Li Qiwei did not feel the fiery gaze of the young man behind him.
He thought what Shapley said was indeed very good.
At least it gave him a deeper understanding of the details of astronomy.
At the same time, he suddenly felt a little emotional.
In Li Qiwei’s previous life, UNESCO published a list of seven basic subjects.
They are: mathematics, physics, chemistry, life sciences, astronomy and astrophysics, geographical science and space science, and logic.
All other applied disciplines are based on the above 7 basic disciplines and are derivative disciplines.
This shows the importance of astronomy.
But for a long time, China paid very little attention to astronomy.
Because it is useless, it is not as practical as atmospheric science. At least people can predict the weather.
Astronomy, on the other hand, studies celestial bodies and the universe all day long, and it is very lofty, but it has no impact on daily life.
So it is a marginal subject.
However, after listening to the debate today, I felt the cheers and discussions of countless people around me.
Li Qiwei suddenly felt excited.
Throughout the ages, countless princes and generals have competed in the Central Plains and looked down upon the world.
It looks like a soul-stirring epic.
However, in front of the solar system, in front of the Milky Way, and even in front of the entire universe.
What do they mean?
Even the earth is not even a drop in the ocean.
Who cares about the hack-and-slash game of some bipedal creatures on a certain planet in the vast universe.
The ultimate secret of physics, the ultimate secret of astronomy, permeates the entire universe.
If anything could crack these secrets, hold the entire universe.
There must be one and only one.
It is Li Qiwei's thought!
“My future is the sea of stars!”
Just when Li Qiwei was pretending to be cool, he was suddenly awakened by Haer next to him.
"Hey, Professor Bruce, are you also thinking about Shapley's results?"
Haier is very proud now.
As a researcher under him, Shapley's performance today can be described as outstanding.
The skeleton diagram of the Milky Way drawn by the other party really amazed the astronomers present.
This picture took at least five or six years of work.
And data must be recorded every day.
Thanks to the emergence of astrophotography technology.
Today's astronomers don't need to be next to a telescope all the time.
So, this gives them the possibility to measure a lot of data.
However, even with the help of astronomical photography technology, astronomers are still a high-intensity profession.
It is commonplace to stay up all night.
For the field of astronomy, data is everything.
Whoever has more data will have more accurate data.
Clearly, at this point, Shapley's globular cluster surpassed Curtis's nova.
In this round, it seems that the former has won.
That’s why Haer smiled happily.
When he saw Li Qiwei beside him also thinking, he became even more excited.
He thought Professor Bruce was also impressed by Shapley's results.
You know, many years ago, Professor Bruce publicly stated that he supported the universe island theory.
Of course, don’t say that Professor Bruce is just a physicist, he can say whatever he wants.
Even in the astronomical community, there are many people who support the island universe theory without any reason.
Without it, I just feel that I am of high quality and worthy of the all-encompassing concept of the universe.
However, in the face of Shapley's powerful data, will the other party change their mind?
Haier is looking forward to this.
Hearing this, Li Qiwei smiled and said:
“Shapley’s results are very good.”
“It seems that he has put in a lot of effort. ”
"However, I see that Curtis is confident, so I'm afraid he won't win so easily."
As expected, Haer looked at Curtis, who was not affected by Shapley's sharp attack at all. Scared.
Instead, he was lowering his head and drawing something.
At this time, everyone’s eyes were focused on Curtis.
Now, it's his turn.
No one thought Curtis would admit defeat without saying a word.
Soon, under the gaze of everyone, Curtis raised his head.
Pop!
The projector comes back on.
Curtis said while showing the content.
He spoke confidently:
"Mr. Shapley said that the distance I calculated by using the nova as a standard candle was wrong."
"Unfortunately, that was the distance I measured before. "
"This In recent years, I have re-selected another celestial body, a yellow dwarf, to serve as the standard candle."
"Please see, after using the yellow dwarf as the standard candle, the diameter of the Milky Way I calculated is still 3. Ten Thousand Light Years ”
"This is completely consistent with the result of Nova."
"So, although Mr. Shapley has more data, I used two methods to measure it."
"I did not I don’t think the credibility of my data is lower than that of the other party.”
Wow!
As soon as Curtis finished answering, a burst of exclamations broke out in the hall.
Everyone was stunned by his strong counterattack.
"Oh God! Curtis actually prepared another set of measurement data."
"He calculated the results that Shapley already had against him."
“No wonder Shapley didn’t seem to care when he was analyzing his results just now.”
“You are only challenging my past, my future is still invincible!”
"Wonderful! So wonderful!"
Everyone was instantly fans of Curtis.
Sure enough, ginger is still spicy.
Curtis, who is 48 years old, suddenly seems to have a scheming air.
This is the melon-eating crowd. They like whoever is awesome.
Dyson felt very happy when he saw Curtis's counterattack.
Because Haer was so proud just now, it made him feel very unhappy.
And now, the other party is finally defeated.
Sure enough, after hearing this, Haer's face looked a little strange.
Who would have thought that two astronomy giants would be competing here like children.
Li Qiwei just looked at the two of them with a smile.
The social nature of this debate is far higher than its academic nature.
The support and cheers from the audience added a lot of elegance to the debate.
However, just when everyone thought Curtis' counterattack was over.
Unexpectedly, he spoke again immediately.
"In addition to the above data, I also have another piece of evidence to share."
Pop!
A beautiful photo appears.
“Now, the picture you see is a photo of a spiral nebula.”
“According to the astronomical numbering, this spiral nebula is cataloged as M31, also known as the M31 nebula. ”
"It also has a popular name, called [Andromeda Nebula]." (The Andromeda Galaxy in later generations)
"Through observation, it has been found that the probability of discovering new stars near the M31 Nebula is much higher than in other celestial bodies. Area. ”
“The so-called sky area is to put the earth on the earth. The scope of the starry sky that can be observed is divided according to regions. "
"And the brightness of new stars appearing in other sky areas is similar."
"But only near the M31 nebula. , the brightness of the new star is much dimmed.”
"If the M31 Nebula is regarded as the same galaxy as the Milky Way, this phenomenon can be explained."
"The above is my answer."
Wow!
Curtis shocked everyone again.
He actually threw out another direct evidence.
Although many people don't know why the nova's brightness fades, it proves that the M31 nebula is not in the Milky Way.
But looking at the equally shocked expressions of the big guys in the front row, everyone knew that this evidence was definitely heavyweight.
The situation is reversed instantly!
Shapley's thunderous attack was easily resolved by Curtis.
Not only that, the latter even put more pressure on the former.
Everyone was once again impressed by Curtis' strength.
“Oh my god! This debate is so heated.”
“This has just begun, and it feels like both sides have already started to make more moves.”
And the boss We are all thinking carefully about Curtis' data and conclusions.
I have to say that the two pieces of evidence given by the other party are too lethal.
"Shapley seems to be in danger!"
Sure enough, at this moment, Shapley's face showed a rare expression of emotion.
However, almost in an instant, he was under control.
Because, he also has his own trump card!
In the entire hall now, Li Qiwei is probably the only one who looks very calm.
Looking at Curtis' results, he just nodded slightly like before.
I even made a joke in my heart.
“I wonder if Curtis has discovered the M78 nebula.”
“Tiga!”
(End of this chapter)