Do we need a revolution in astronomy

It is argued that the present state of rapidly advancing knowledge in the field of extragalactic astronomy requires a new approach. Observations of expansion in our Galaxy which are extremely difficult to assimilate in any of the currently accepted theories are discussed and the possibility of a radical explanation involving the so called 'new physics' is considered. The proposed scheme offers an explanation of 'missing mass', the extra mass which appears to be necessary to ensure that the galaxies in many clusters remain gravitationally bound. In addition the proposed supermass effect suggests important consequences for the dynamical behaviour of stars within each galaxy, including our own. If such a theory as is here proposed were correct, it is not likely that the matter would be settled by astronomical observations alone. It will be necessary to examine the full implications of the ideas in relation to the origin and nature of mass. (U.K.)