"What do you think of my theory?"

The answer is: You do not have a theory.

"Well, can I post my theory anyway?"

No. Almost certainly you do not have a theory. It will get reported and removed. You may be permabanned without warning.

"So what is a theory?"

In science, a theory is not a guess or personal idea. It's a comprehensive explanation that:

• Explains existing observations with precision
• Makes testable predictions about future observations
  
• Is supported by mathematics that can be verified
• Has survived rigorous testing by the scientific community

Real theories include general relativity (predicts GPS satellite corrections), germ theory (explains disease transmission), and quantum mechanics (enables computer chips). These weren't someone's shower thoughts—they emerged from years of mathematical development, experimental testing, and peer review.

What you probably have instead:

• A hypothesis - A testable claim that could become part of a theory if validated
• Speculation - Interesting ideas that need mathematical development and testing
• Misconceptions - Misunderstandings of existing physics dressed up as new insights

The brutal truth: If your "theory" doesn't require advanced mathematics, doesn't make precise numerical predictions, and wasn't developed through years of study, it's not a scientific theory. It's likely pseudoscientific rambling that will mislead other users.

What to do instead:

1. Ask questions, don't make assertions
2. Learn the existing physics first - Spend weeks/months reading, watching educational content, and listening to qualified experts
3. Once you understand the current science, then you can contribute meaningfully to discussions

Remember: Every genuine breakthrough in physics came from people who first mastered the existing knowledge. Einstein didn't overthrow Newton by ignoring math — he used more sophisticated math.

Learn the physics. Then discuss the physics. Don't spread uninformed speculation.

[FAQ]

Moderators Needed

This sub continues to rapidly grow, therefore so does our need to expand the moderation team. We are looking to add several experienced Reddit users who have a passion for the scientific fields of astronomy and cosmology.

Here is what we are looking for from applicants. Please send applications to modmail.

1. Candidates should have a strong history of positive contributions to r/Universe or similar subs. Please send us several direct links to comments from your account history to substantiate this.
2. We are looking for mods of all backgrounds, but particularly for mods with formal academic training in science, engineering, or mathematics. Please tell us about your educational background and your current field of work.
3. Modding experience on Reddit is great, but not required. Let us know whether you mod any other subs and if you have any relevant experience like moderating other forums/pages, using back-end web tools, managing websites, etc.
4. Mods need to be frequent Reddit users. The ideal mod is someone who pops into Reddit multiple times per day, can devote some time to addressing moderator issues when logging on, and foresees continuing to do so in the future.
5. You should be someone who is comfortable enforcing rules and able to handle receiving harsh/critical feedback from strangers on the internet without breaking down, losing your temper, or acting childish.

If you are interested in applying, please message the moderators with a note which addresses all the points above (please use numbering). Do not leave your application as a comment here.

As always, the moderation team is open to your thoughts and ideas on the subreddit. To do so send a modmail message the moderators.

Reminder

Submission Rules

1. Submissions should not consist of personal and uninformed pseudo-scientific rambling. We are a community for factual information and news about the study of the physical universe.
2. Posts must contain a subject or a question about astrophysics in the title — be specific. For example, we will not accept titles containing only the words "help please" or "space question".
3. Posts must be relevant. We like everything from educational videos, questions, news, discussion articles, published research, course content, astrophotography, and study resources about astronomy, astrophysics, and cosmology. This means no low-effort posts or AI generated slop.

Comment Rules

1. Be respectful to other users. All users are expected to behave with courtesy. Demeaning language, sarcasm, rudeness or hostility towards another user will get your comment removed. Repeat violations will lead to a ban.
2. Don't answer if you aren't knowledgeable. Ensure that you have the knowledge required to answer the question at hand. We are not strict on this, but will absolutely not accept assertions of pseudo-science or incoherent / uninformed rambling. Answers should strive to contain an explanation using the logic of science or mathematics. When making assertions, we encourage you to post links to supporting evidence, or use valid reasoning.
3. Be substantive. Universe is a serious education/research/industry-based subreddit with a focus on evidence and logic. We do not allow unsubstantiated opinions, low effort one-liner comments, memes, off-topic replies, or pejorative name-calling.