Exploring Symmetry and Asymmetry in Astrophysics, Astronomy, and Space Science: Paving the Way for a Multiplanetary Future for Humanity

A special issue of Symmetry (ISSN 2073-8994). This special issue belongs to the section "Physics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2023) | Viewed by 2810

Special Issue Editor

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada
Interests: 5G; 6G wireless systems and networks; terahertz technology; space technology; the Internet of Things; artificial intelligence
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

As Dr. Carl Sagan once said, "Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known". Our understanding of the universe continually expands and deepens as we make new strides in astrophysics, astronomy, and space science. In this context, the exploration of symmetry and asymmetry in these fields plays a crucial role. On the one hand, technological advancements empower us to observe the universe, further and broader, with greater precision and detail. Numerous ground-breaking observatories and spacecraft have been developed and launched through various astronomical and space science endeavors, leading to the invention of innovative scientific techniques and the unveiling of remarkable discoveries. On the other hand, these principles help us decipher the fundamental laws governing the cosmos, its structure, and its evolution. Moreover, as human civilization transitions from being Earth-bound to expanding beyond our planet, embracing a multiplanetary existence, it is essential to investigate the role of symmetry and asymmetry in this process.

In this Special Issue, we invite visionary researchers from diverse fields to share and exchange thought-provoking insights, ideas, and perspectives on the implications of symmetry and asymmetry in astrophysics, astronomy, and space science, with a focus on facilitating a multiplanetary future for humanity. We enthusiastically welcome a variety of submission types, including original technical papers, technical reviews, and tutorials, covering a wide range of topics related but not limited to:

  1. The role of symmetry and asymmetry in meteoritics and planetary science, including research on solar and interstellar objects;
  2. The implications of symmetry and asymmetry in near-Earth object (NEO) search, track, and mitigation technologies/strategies;
  3. The interplay between symmetry and asymmetry in the observation, mapping, simulations, and analysis of the Milky Way galaxy, extragalactic systems, exoplanets, supernovae, black holes, and quasars;
  4. The influence of symmetry and asymmetry principles in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI);
  5. The impact of symmetry and asymmetry on understanding the solar wind, solar flares, and their effects on Earth and human civilization;
  6. The role of symmetry and asymmetry in the development and design of instrumentation for space exploration and communication, astronomical observation, and cosmological research. For instance, planetary probes and rovers, next-generation space telescopes, and next-generation very large arrays. Telecommunications among Earth and other celestial bodies;
  7. The application of symmetry and asymmetry in scientific methods and techniques that can enable or accelerate humans to become a multi-planetary species.

Dr. Yiming Huo
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Symmetry is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 1225 KiB  
Article
Symmetries of the Large Scale Structures of the Universe as a Phenomenology of a Fractal Turbulence: The Role of the Plasma Component
by Giovanni Montani and Nakia Carlevaro
Symmetry 2024, 16(3), 306; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym16030306 - 05 Mar 2024
Viewed by 605
Abstract
We present a new perspective on the symmetries that govern the formation of large-scale structures across the Universe, particularly focusing on the transition from the seeds of galaxy clusters to the seeds of galaxies themselves. We address two main features of cosmological fluid [...] Read more.
We present a new perspective on the symmetries that govern the formation of large-scale structures across the Universe, particularly focusing on the transition from the seeds of galaxy clusters to the seeds of galaxies themselves. We address two main features of cosmological fluid dynamics pertaining to both the linear and non-linear regimes. The linear dynamics of cosmological perturbations within the Hubble horizon is characterized by the Jeans length, which separates stable configurations from unstable fluctuations due to the gravitational effect on sufficiently large (and therefore, massive enough) overdensities. On the other hand, the non-linear dynamics of the cosmological fluid is associated with a turbulent behavior once the Reynolds numbers reach a sufficiently high level. This turbulent regime leads to energy dissipation across smaller and smaller scales, resulting in a fractal distribution of eddies throughout physical space. The proposed scenario suggests that the spatial scale of eddy formation is associated with the Jeans length of various levels of fragmentation from an original large-scale structure. By focusing on the fragmentation of galaxy cluster seeds versus galaxy seeds, we arrived at a phenomenological law that links the ratio of the two structure densities to the number of galaxies in each cluster and to the Hausdorff number of the Universe matter distribution. Finally, we introduced a primordial magnetic field and studied its influence on the Jeans length dynamics. The resulting anisotropic behavior of the density contrast led us to infer that the main features of the turbulence could be reduced to a 2D Euler equation. Numerical simulations showed that the two lowest wavenumbers contained the major energy contribution of the spectrum. Full article
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10 pages, 460 KiB  
Article
Bending of Light by Magnetars within Generalized Born–Infeld Electrodynamics: Insights from the Gauss–Bonnet Theorem
by Nurzada Beissen, Tursynbek Yernazarov, Manas Khassanov, Saken Toktarbay, Aliya Taukenova and Amankhan Talkhat
Symmetry 2024, 16(1), 132; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym16010132 - 22 Jan 2024
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Abstract
We compute the weak bending angle of light within generalised Born–Infeld electrodynamics as it passes through the equatorial plane of a magnetic dipole. We start by considering the refractive index associated with the dipole within generalised Born–Infeld electrodynamics. Then, we calculate the Gaussian [...] Read more.
We compute the weak bending angle of light within generalised Born–Infeld electrodynamics as it passes through the equatorial plane of a magnetic dipole. We start by considering the refractive index associated with the dipole within generalised Born–Infeld electrodynamics. Then, we calculate the Gaussian optical curvature based on these refractive indices. Using the Gauss–Bonnet theorem, we derive a formula to quantify the deflection angle in the presence of a strong magnetic field from a dipole. Our results align with results obtained through traditional geometric optics techniques, underscoring the importance of the Gauss–Bonnet theorem as a versatile tool for solving intricate problems in modern theoretical research. We apply our theoretical deflection angle formula to estimate the light bending in magnetars listed in the McGill catalogue, providing insights into the behaviour of light in environments with strong magnetic fields. Full article
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16 pages, 426 KiB  
Article
Implementing a Relativistic Motor over Atomic Scales
by Asher Yahalom
Symmetry 2023, 15(8), 1613; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym15081613 - 21 Aug 2023
Viewed by 902
Abstract
A relativistic motor exchanging momentum and energy with an electromagnetic field is studied. We discuss the advantages and challenges of this novel mover, giving specific emphasis to the more favorable (yet challenging) nano configurations. It specifically turns out that an isolated hydrogen atom [...] Read more.
A relativistic motor exchanging momentum and energy with an electromagnetic field is studied. We discuss the advantages and challenges of this novel mover, giving specific emphasis to the more favorable (yet challenging) nano configurations. It specifically turns out that an isolated hydrogen atom in either a ground or excited state does not produce relativistic motor momentum. Full article
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