Does the Earth Have a Special Place in the Universe?

Since the days of Nicolaus Copernicus, one philosophical principle has reigned in astronomy-- the earth is a typical sphere in a typical place in our typical universe-- which means that it is not unique from any other part of the galaxy; and any suggestion to the contrary is considered problematic.

But a new study, that is to be published in the Physical Review Letters, suggests that what has been considered problematic over the last 400 plus years may indeed be true.

As the theory goes, the earth may exist inside a cosmic bubble of space-time that is bereft of matter. Currently, it is theorized that hypothetical dark energy best explains the apparent expansion of the universe. But if indeed the earth exists in a bubble-like cosmic void, our observations as we look to the heavens would be skewed by the bubble. Timothy Clifton of Oxford University states, "If we lived in a very large under-density, then the space-time itself wouldn't be accelerating. It would just be that the observations, if interpreted in the usual way, would look like they were."

What does this mean for the Copernican principle? Clifton states further: "This idea that we live in a void would really be a statement that we live in a special place. The regular cosmological model is based on the idea that where we live is a typical place in the universe. This would be a contradiction to the Copernican principle."

Whether or not the cosmic bubble theory turns out to be true, or at the very least, the best explanation of our situation in the cosmos, it certainly demonstrates the philosophical underpinnings of all human pursuit of knowledge.

A preview of the fascinating theory has been posted on Space.com.