If you Google 'Is the Universe a fractal', it tends to pop up with results that say it isn't, which is true. However, the question isn't whether the Universe is a fractal; the question is whether it is a fractal-like entity, which is most likely the case, as the Universe does display fractal-like patterns.
Lightning shares some similarities with fractals in terms of its branching patterns and self-similar characteristics, but it's not typically categorized as a strict fractal.
It has a jagged and branching shape that resembles some fractal patterns, such as the Lichtenberg figure. However, lightning does not have the self-similarity property that defines a true fractal, hence why we must label it as fractal-like.
However, this is actually a positive thing, as it allows us to categorize these objects as fractal-like, which aids in our comprehension of their geometry.
What about the Universe?
Currently, in line with our present comprehension of the cosmos, it is not inherently organized in a fractal structure. Nonetheless, the emerging body of research revealing fractal-esque patterns among the constituents of the Universe has the potential to reshape our perspective on this matter. This phenomenon is highlighted by theories such as the fractal multiverse theory, an amplified version of the multiverse concept (more on that in the next article) and fractal cosmology in general.
While the Universe might not adhere strictly to a fractal pattern, it exhibits characteristics reminiscent of fractal-like formations.
Hence, it is wise to characterize the Universe, at its core essence, as a "fractal-like entity," rather than solely elaborating on the constituents of the Universe. This approach is akin to discussing the various components that constitute a car without providing a concise definition of what a car actually represents.
Viewed through fractal-like geometry, we are presented with the chance to ascribe a designation to the inherent essence of the Universe itself. It's worth emphasizing that we have the latitude to identify the Universe as a fractal entity, not in a strict sense, but rather in terms of its fractal-like attributes. In other words, the universe is not a true fractal.
Why fractal cosmology is important? It's Simple.
This is particularly intriguing because, if the Universe is fractal-like entity, there exists a possibility to comprehend it without having to understand fractal complexities.
If the universe exhibits fractal-like properties, this exploration can lead us to a deeper understanding of its fundamental essence, going beyond mere descriptions of its composition.
Instead, 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 holds 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 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 challenging, particularly in terms of the specifics.
The two-decade old study.
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.
At the heart of their proposition lies the idea of fractals—a concept that is familiar to many through its manifestations in natural patterns like snowflakes or coastlines. 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 challenges 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 challenges 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. The notion that galaxies exhibit a fractal arrangement up to scales of 100 million light years implies that the universe's homogeneity must extend over an astonishing scale, possibly beyond the observable universe. This revelation raises questions about the mechanisms that could give rise to such a consistent and repeating pattern across such vast distances.
Final thoughts.
With Webb, it's going to be interesting to scan the data with my fractal AI software that I am developing. My software has already detected fractal-like patterns in the Triangulum Galaxy, which I've yet to publish.