The Cosmic Fundamental-Particle Network Hypothesis A New Explanation of Gravity, Light Propagation, Black Holes, and the Cosmic Boundary

Summary of the Abstract This paper proposes a cosmological hypothesis in which a three-dimensional network of fundamental particles (FPs) is the sole foundational entity of the universe. Six postulates are stated: FPs fill the universe in a network structure; an inherent mutual attraction (fundamental gravity) exists among FPs; light signals and fundamental gravity are carried exclusively by the FP network; the network has a finite binding strength and is torn into FP-free regions (black holes) when local gravity exceeds it; entities with rest mass move independently of the network, are governed before collision only by fundamental gravity and after collision by gravity plus inter-entity forces, may exceed light speed, and perturb the network when doing so; the network density is variable, so the speed of light varies with density. On this basis, gravitation, light propagation, black-hole darkness, the cosmic boundary, and a possible multiverse are reinterpreted. Three testable predictions are given: spatial variation of light speed, radiation at network-tearing boundaries, and signals from superluminal entity–network coupling.