“Scars” of the Early Universe: Physicists Detect “Afterglow” of the Big Bang
Researchers are focusing on cosmic strings – hypothetical, extremely dense threads stretching across the universe formed in its earliest moments – as a potential source of detectable traces even today. This renewed interest stems from anomalies detected in radio signals from pulsars, which are rapidly rotating neutron stars emitting regular radio waves.
The findings, emerging February 15, 2026, suggest that structures formed after the Big Bang (estimated to have occurred 13.8 billion years ago, according to the prevailing theory of the universe’s origin) may still influence spacetime. The study of these potential remnants could offer new insights into the forces shaping the cosmos and even theories surrounding time travel.
Cosmic strings are theorized to be incredibly thin, yet incredibly dense, extending for light-years. Scientists believe these strings passively drift through the universe, neither interacting with nor being affected by their surroundings. However, actively studying them could unlock secrets about the universe’s early stages and, as some physicists propose, potentially reveal a pathway to time travel. This concept, while bordering on science fiction, is supported by the theoretical framework of cosmic strings.
The phenomenon is being described as “scars” of the early universe. According to researchers, these “scars” or cosmic strings may be detectable today. The initial moments before the Big Bang were characterized by a hot, dense, high-energy environment. The rapid expansion of the universe, approximately 13.8 billion years ago, divided a single, powerful force into the four fundamental forces we know today: gravity, the electromagnetic force, the weak nuclear force (responsible for radioactive decay), and the strong nuclear force (which binds atomic nuclei together).
This process gave rise to initial particles and, subsequently, scars in the fabric of spacetime – what physicists call cosmic strings. These strings are comparable in thickness to a proton but are incredibly dense and extend for light-years. The detection of these subtle distortions in spacetime represents a significant challenge, but success could revolutionize our understanding of cosmology and fundamental physics. The research builds on earlier, largely dismissed ideas about the lasting impact of structures formed after the Big Bang.
The investigation is focused on identifying the effects of these strings on the spacetime continuum. The findings come as telescopes like the James Webb Space Telescope continue to reveal unprecedented details about the early universe, including the rare sight of five merging galaxies and the discovery of a massive, rotating cosmic filament.
