A causality preserving evolution of a pair of strings

TL;DR

This paper explores the evolution of a pair of cosmic strings, suggesting that instead of closed timelike curves, the universe might favor forming a mild singularity, offering a new perspective on cosmic string interactions.

Contribution

It introduces a novel alternative to closed timelike curves by proposing the universe may tend to produce mild singularities during cosmic string interactions.

Findings

Closed timelike curves can be avoided through singularity formation.

A simple and mild singularity may be the preferred outcome in cosmic string evolution.

The universe's evolution might favor singularities over causality-violating structures.

Abstract

As shown by Gott, a pair of straight cosmic strings moving in opposite directions, when they have suitable speed and impact parameter, produce closed timelike curves. I argue in this paper that there always is a not-so-frightening alternative: the Universe may prefer to produce a certain (surprisingly simple and absolutely mild) singularity instead.