Back before the physics of the universe were uneerstood philosophers and scientists believed that the earth floated in a sea of aether.

The concept of the aether impacted science long after scientists had rejected the ancient theory of the five elements. Prior to fully modern theories of electromagnetism, many scientists applied the term "aether" to the pervasive medium through which they thought light must propagate.

Aether (classical element)

Of course now-a-days, us being so much more enlightened about the ways of the universe, we are so much closer to knowing how the universe works, we can be more precise...or maybe not.

The newfound flow cannot be explained by, and is not directly related to, the expansion of the universe, though the researchers believe the two types of movement are happening at the same time.

Unknown "Structures" Tugging at Universe, Study Says

The more we know, the deeper the mystery goes.