Words of wisdom Tim, thanks.

The very reason that I included this Alternative Theories section here in the forum is that I wanted a place where people could bring up ideas which are against the mainstream and have them tossed around by enthusiasts, experts, amateurs, and masters in the field.

Before you bring your idea forward, though, you have to be willing to accept that you're wrong, that you've misunderstood some aspect of cosmology, or physics, or whatever. Many of the experts in these fields have been at this subject for more years than I've been alive and have seen the theories attacked in every way imaginable. That doesn't mean they're right, though.

You could come up with a new insight, and new understanding that explain the observed phenomena better than the existing theories. I try to mention in my stories whenever a traditional theory is being challenged. At least once a month, new observations are forcing astronomers to completely rethink their long held ideas of [galaxy formation/duration of planetary accretion/environments for life/etc].

I would love to see the forum community develop a "best practices" approach that people can use think through their idea, propose it to the community, and even work to get it considered by the academic community. Astronomy is one of the few sciences where amateurs make regular and valuable discoveries, and professional astronomers are grateful for their contributions.

Pitch your ideas, just don't buy into them too deeply.

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Fraser Cain
Publisher
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