There are massive magnetic fields floating in the void between galaxies, and they might actually be leaking into our world from a fifth dimension.
March 27, 2026
Original Paper
Chern-Simons theory in mathematics, condensed matter theory and cosmology
arXiv · 2603.25346
The Takeaway
Scientists have long been puzzled by magnetic fields that exist in the vast, empty voids of the universe where there is no matter to create them. This paper describes a mechanism where these fields originate from a five-dimensional version of the universe, potentially providing a physical link to a dimension we cannot see.
From the abstract
Various applications of Chern-Simons theory in algebraic topology, in particular knot theory, condensed matter physics and cosmology are reviewed. Special attention is paid to appearances of Chern-Simons actions in the theory of the (integer and fractional) quantum Hall effect. A mechanism related to five-dimensional abelian Chern-Simons theory that may be at the origin of the observed intergalactic magnetic fields in the universe is described.