• The Indian Institute of Astrophysics has identified potential visual evidence of cosmic strings in the CSc-1 field.
• Researchers suggest that a galaxy pair, SDSSJ110429.61+233150.3, might be a single galaxy lensed by a cosmic string.
• The findings, published on arXiv, have sparked renewed interest in cosmic strings and their potential to validate string theory.

Scientists at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics have announced the possible detection of cosmic strings, theoretical one-dimensional defects in spacetime believed to have formed shortly after the Big Bang. The identification centers around the observation of a pair of galactic entities, SDSSJ110429.61+233150.3, which researchers hypothesize to be a single galaxy with its image split due to gravitational lensing by a cosmic string. This finding, if confirmed, could provide the first concrete evidence for the existence of these primordial defects and support string theory.

• What: Identification of potential cosmic strings through the observation of a galaxy pair possibly lensed by a cosmic string.
• Who: Researchers at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics.
• When: Findings publicized last month (assumed to be March 2025 based on the article's publish date of Apr 30, 2025).
• Where: Observation of the CSc-1 field of space.

The potential discovery of cosmic strings is significant because it could provide insights into the very early universe and validate theoretical models like string theory. The researchers' hypothesis that the observed galaxy pair is a single galaxy lensed by a cosmic string is based on the strong correlation between the spectra of the two components. However, the researchers acknowledge the possibility that the galaxies could be separate entities, highlighting the need for further investigation. The use of the Devasthal Optical Telescope for further observation could be crucial in confirming or disproving this hypothesis.

The significant correlation between the spectra of the two components indicates the possible GL (gravitational lensing) nature of the pair. Our simulations of observational data in the CSc-1 field shows that a large number of pairs can be explained by the complex geometry of the CS (cosmic string).

The observed angle between the components of the pair can be explained if the CS is strongly inclined and, possibly, bent in the image plane.

The reported identification of potential cosmic strings by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics represents a potentially significant step in the search for these elusive remnants of the early universe. While further investigation is needed to confirm the findings, the research has reignited interest in cosmic strings and their potential to provide experimental evidence for string theory. The use of advanced telescopes like the Devasthal Optical Telescope will be crucial in determining the true nature of the observed galactic entities.