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What is a cosmic string?

A cosmic string, theoretically, is a giant (because of their length) vibrating strand or closed loop of material that was created early in the formation of the universe. Cosmic strings are believed to have been produced by gravitational shifts in the early universe, immediately following the "Big Bang" explosion from which all matter spewed forth. They are sometimes described as "wrinkles" in the pattern of matter, radiation, and empty space.

Although a cosmic string is thought to be just a tiny fraction of an inch thick, much thinner even than a single hair, it is believed to contain the mass of thousands of galaxies. Cosmic strings, if they exist, may also carry an extremely strong electrical current.

Sources: Engelbert, Phillis. Astronomy and Space: From the Big Bang to the Big Crunch, vol. 1, pp. 117-18; Hathaway, Nancy. The Friendly Guide to the Universe, pp....

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