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This week’s new questions

If the universe originated at the big bang 13 billion years ago, how can there be stars that are 30 billion light years away? And why do our knuckles make a popping sound when cracked?

21 September 2022

illustrating the accelerating expansion of the universe

NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center/Conceptual Image Lab

If the universe originated at the big bang 13 billion years ago, how can there be stars that are 30 billion light years away?

Sarah Bloxham,

via email

2F5E18C Hand Knuckle Finger Joint Crack. Fingers Snap

Andriy Popov/Alamy

Why do our knuckles and joints make a popping sound when cracked? Does it do us any good or harm?

Noah Horne,

Patrick Space Force Base, Florida, US

To answer this question – or ask a new one – email lastword@newscientist.com.

Questions should be scientific enquiries about everyday phenomena, and both questions and answers should be concise. We reserve the right to edit items for clarity and style. Please include a postal…

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