If you Google 'Is the Universe a fractal', it tends to pop up with results that say it isn't, which is true.
But the question isn't whether the Universe is a fractal; the question is whether it is fractal-like, which is most likely the case, as the Universe does display fractal-like patterns.
Lightning exhibits some similarities to fractals due to its branching patterns and self-similar characteristics; however, it is not typically classified as a true fractal. Its jagged and branching shape can resemble certain fractal patterns, like the Lichtenberg figure. Nonetheless, lightning does not possess the strict self-similarity property that defines a true fractal, leading it to be described as "fractal-like" instead.
The fact that these shapes can be classified as fractal-like is actually a positive thing, as it helps us understand their geometry better. The principles of fractal geometry can still be used to approximate and study these patterns even if a shape doesn't exhibit exact self-similarity.
What about the Universe?
In line with our present comprehension of the cosmos, it is not inherently organized in a fractal structure. Yet, the emerging body of research revealing fractal-esque patterns among the universe's components has the potential to reshape our perspective on this matter. Though the Universe might not adhere strictly to a fractal pattern, it exhibits characteristics reminiscent of fractal-like formations.
Why fractal cosmology is important? It's Simple.
This is particularly intriguing because there exists a possibility to comprehend the cosmos without having to understand fractal complexities.
If the universe exhibits fractal-like properties, this exploration can lead us to a deeper understanding of its nature.
One can hold a layperson's grasp of the Universe, avoiding the entanglement with intricate details that often leads to a confined understanding. If this is true, it opens a window for universal comprehension, extending beyond a limited few.
Patterns are universally recognized concepts, and if we can assign this perspective to the Universe, it offers a simplified means for grasping part of its essence.
It's actually quite fortunate that the Universe doesn't strictly adhere to a fractal structure, as comprehending the complexities of fractals can prove to be a bit tricky, particularly in terms of the specifics.
The evidence
Using the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) data, combined with the pioneering work of Sylos Labini's team, have reignited discussions on the fractal nature of galaxies and the potential implications this discovery holds for our understanding of the universe.
The fractal pattern hypothesized by Labini's team suggests that galaxies are not randomly distributed throughout the universe, but instead exhibit a repeating, self-similar arrangement at various scales. This is contrary to the conventional belief that galaxies are distributed uniformly on cosmic scales.
What adds weight to Labini's team's argument is the collaboration of physicists Nikolay Vasilyev and Yurij Baryshev from St Petersburg State University.
Their analysis suggests that the fractal nature of galaxies persists up to scales of approximately 100 million light years. This astounding revelation not only calls into question established models of the universe's large-scale structure but also has implications for our understanding of homogeneity in the cosmos.
The concept of homogeneity—the idea that the universe appears uniform on a large scale—is a great part of modern cosmology. However, the implications of the fractal pattern, if validated, could reshape our understanding of this fundamental concept.
Limited
A range of 100MLY would mean a limited self-similarity.
When we talk about self-similarity, we're basically looking at patterns that repeat themselves. Now, the main difference between limited and non-limited self-similarity is about how much this pattern keeps showing up when you zoom in or out.
Non-limited self-similarity is like this perfect, never-ending thing you'd see in maths textbooks. You zoom in, and the pattern keeps popping up no matter how far you go. It’s ideal and infinite, which is brilliant for theory but doesn’t really happen in the real world.
On the flip side, limited self-similarity is what you see in nature. Think of stuff like coastlines or mountains – they’ve got that repeating pattern, but only up to a point. You can zoom in a bit and see the pattern, but after a while, it stops. Having a limited range is more practical when you’re trying to model natural phenomena because nothing in nature is perfectly infinite.
So, in a nutshell, non-limited is your perfect, infinite fractal pattern, and limited is your real-world, finite version. Understanding this helps a lot when you're dealing with both theoretical and fractal-like fractals.
Then, if you're talking about a range of 100 million light-years (MLY), you’re looking at a kind of limited self-similarity in the distribution of large-scale cosmic structures. Even so, this self-similarity is subject to constraints and may not be maintained perfectly across all scales due to the complexity of the universe's structure and overall stucture. Understanding these patterns helps cosmologists and astrophysicists better comprehend the large-scale organization and evolution of the cosmos.
When limited self-similarity breaks down, not all patterns vanish into thin air. New self-similarity or patterns can emerge at different scales.
Take globular clusters, for an example. These are tightly packed groups of stars that show self-similar structures across various scales. The fractal patterns in these clusters give us loads of info about how these ancient star groups formed and evolved.
Once you step outside these globular clusters, the pattern changes. The self-similarity we saw in the cluster fades, and you start seeing new fractal-like patterns in the interstellar medium. Structures like molecular clouds and nebulae emerge, each with their own kind of self-similarity.
This constitutes one piece of evidence, and we will provide additional evidence in a future post.
Final thoughts.
As of now, fractal cosmology is still a minority view, but I predict and anticipate there will be a change in the near future. With science enthusiasts digging through data, I think the general public may begin to use more fractal jargon such as self-similarity to describe the universe in the years to come. In this field, there have been a lot of works done, but most of them remain unseen due to lack of interest, so they all sit there waiting to be explored.
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