Scientists around the world are debating the merits of competing theories regarding one very astounding possibility: the existence of parallel universes.We can't see this clearly yet, but it may be that this universe may not be the only universe; this life may not be the only life we have. There may be another “you”, another “me” somewhere out there in a different space-time.
It all comes from continuing explorations in the area of quantum mechanics and quantum theory.
At the turn of the century, when physicists were grappling with that thorny problem of whether light acts as a particle beam or as a wave, it became evident that the only solution is that light exhibits both qualities. It behaves either as a beam or as a wave, depending on the circumstances.
In came quantum theory, suggesting that all matter exists in a state of pure potential. Only when measured, does matter take a specific form. At the basic level of atoms and particles, things can be in two places at once, and also move instantly somewhere else, seemingly defying the laws of physics as we know them.
It’s all very heady, but here’s a great demonstration in this video posted on YouTube, showing the now classic double split experiment.
Quantum theory isn’t new; it has been around for at least 80 years. Physicists have since moved on to working on elaborate mathematical models and experimentation. Now they no longer question the existence of other dimensions than the ones we can measure in this world. Their equations show many more dimensions are mathematically possible. The debate, then, revolves around which vision of these unseen dimensions is the most likely to be accurate. Some even wonder if our universe might one day collide with another. (!)
Scientists also are asking what the properties of these additional planes of existence might be and whether it may be possible to cross over from one to the other.
Recently, physicists conducted an experiment they claim shows sub-atomic particles doing just that – crossing over a barrier instantly, faster than the speed of light, something considered impossible.
Physicists and mathematicians continue to study these intriguing possibilities of matter and energy, with the aid of increasingly more powerful computers.
In came quantum theory, suggesting that all matter exists in a state of pure potential. Only when measured, does matter take a specific form. At the basic level of atoms and particles, things can be in two places at once, and also move instantly somewhere else, seemingly defying the laws of physics as we know them.
It’s all very heady, but here’s a great demonstration in this video posted on YouTube, showing the now classic double split experiment.
Quantum theory isn’t new; it has been around for at least 80 years. Physicists have since moved on to working on elaborate mathematical models and experimentation. Now they no longer question the existence of other dimensions than the ones we can measure in this world. Their equations show many more dimensions are mathematically possible. The debate, then, revolves around which vision of these unseen dimensions is the most likely to be accurate. Some even wonder if our universe might one day collide with another. (!)
Scientists also are asking what the properties of these additional planes of existence might be and whether it may be possible to cross over from one to the other.
Recently, physicists conducted an experiment they claim shows sub-atomic particles doing just that – crossing over a barrier instantly, faster than the speed of light, something considered impossible.
Physicists and mathematicians continue to study these intriguing possibilities of matter and energy, with the aid of increasingly more powerful computers.
We may eventually witness what was once science fiction becoming scientific reality.
For more information, see:
Scientists find a way to measure multiple dimensions:
Special report on the quantum world:
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Photo: www.pdphoto.org
A fascinating subject Renato. There was a recent NOVA on PBS that went into string theory matters,
ReplyDeletehttp://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/elegant/
...and while I do not understand most of this, I am actually a little more fascinated with the M-theory.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M-theory
Wow. Great links.
ReplyDeleteThank you, "forward thinker."
It's amazing how the more we think we know, the more there is to know.
A lot of these theories are way over my head.
I wasn't aware of the PBS series.
Looks fascinating. Lots to read.
Thanks again.