Parallel Universes: The Scientific Truth and Theories
The contemporary concept of Parallel Universes has changed the very fabric of modern physics because it has explained the theory of everything, the beginning of time, the origin of the universe and it even makes time travel possible. Ray Cummings, a founding father of the science fiction pulp genre, once wrote, “Time… is what keeps everything from happening at once.” During that era, the concept of Parallel Universes was vague and merely a part of science fiction. Hence, Ray Cummings did not realize that ninety years later the concept of Parallel Universes could prove him wrong. Parallel Universe is such an intriguing scientific possibility which can allow multiple events to happen at once. We just need to explore how this might be possible in the realm of Parallel Universes. For understanding the scientific intricacies of this modern concept, I researched the book “Parallel Worlds: A Journey through Creation, Higher Dimensions, and the Future of the Cosmos” by the famous theoretical physicist, Dr. Michio Kaku.
He defines Parallel Universes as, “self-contained separate altered versions of our own physical realities”. Furthermore he thinks that the parallel universes are superimposed over our universe but existing in other dimensions. He gives various proofs and logical explanations to prove the existence of parallel universes. I found two ideas to be most compelling which indicate the presence of parallel universes. First, he uses the Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle to prove his point. Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle states that it is impossible to determine simultaneously the speed or the location of any particle with precision or certainty. Hence, he deduces that particles might instead not always remain in our universe. This implies that they travel back and forth through higher dimensions between the parallel universes indicating they might exist. Secondly, he uses logic to explain that we cannot be sure that our universe is unique and everything that exists. He explains this logic by pointing the cosmologist’s basic definition of universe – everything that is possible to see. Imagine a sphere comprising our universe extending fourteen billion light years in all directions from earth. Stars and galaxies beyond this are invisible to us because their light has not had time to reach us. He feels that the fact that we cannot see them does not mean that they are not there. Therefore, he concludes that there is a great chance that they might exist and some of them might me perfect copies of our universe i.e. parallel universes to our universe.
The importance of the concept of parallel universe can be understood by analyzing the consequences of this theory. This theory can explain the theory of everything, the weak nature of gravity, definition of time, singularity and big bang. All these theories have been some of greatest unsolved mysteries of physics which the concept of parallel universes can explain. The concept of parallel universes explains the String theory, the membrane theory and the eleven dimensions that are a part of our reality. All these theories lead to the theory of everything and this theory gives the reason why we exist in this universe. String theory says that matter and all the fundamental particles of nature are made up of invisible strings which vibrate like strings and this matter is present in the ten dimensions. Out of these ten dimensions, time is the fourth dimension and the remaining nine dimensions are spatial dimensions which we humans cannot perceive. Membrane theory expands this notion and says that our physical reality is instead made up of eleven dimensions and the eleventh dimension is Supergravity. The fundamental strings are woven like a sheet of membrane and these strings are spread across the eleven dimensions. Hence, the membrane theory or the M-theory says that our universe is like a membrane. These membranes are parallel to each other creating a series of parallel universes. This theory has several important implications because it explains many mysteries of nature. One of the prime examples of such mysteries which it can explain is the weak nature of gravity. Among the four fundamental forces of nature gravity is the weakest. Its weak nature could be understood with the example of a small magnet with electromagnetic force being able to pick up objects lying on ground against the force of gravity. One of the implications of M-theory suggests that gravity might be flowing from one the parallel membranes to our universe or membrane and may be gravity is not an inherent characteristic of our universe. Parallel universes also defy the common notion that time began with Big Bang. Now the physicists believe that time is eternal and its beginning cannot be traced back. It is the most fundamental dimension apart from the spatial dimensions.
Dr. Kaku thinks that it is even possible to visit these parallel universes. He uses the chaotic inflation theory to explain how this can be done. Chaotic inflation theory says that big bang is not unique and it keeps on happening constantly creating several universes. Further, our world sits on the skin of a giant bubble comprising our universe. These giant bubbles are distinct universes which are separated from each other by void or emptiness which cannot be traversed. He goes on to explain that these bubbles or universes can give birth to other universes by budding off from these parent universes just like bubbles. The laws of physics and matter in this baby bubble universe may be totally different. In this process of creation during a short interval when the baby universe detaches itself from the parent universe, there builds a small bridge between the two which can be crossed. But he says there is a severe problem with this method of crossing this bridge. Even if we are able to cross over to this baby universe, it is still going to be in its immature form where stars and galaxies will still be forming. Such a baby universe will be unstable and impossible to inhabit.
Dr. Kaku also discusses another mind boggling theory which is not only feasible but also provides a proper method of time travel and travel to another parallel universe. He believes that it is possible to open up a bridge in the universe. One of the fundamental concepts of physics says that space expands on heating to great amounts of temperatures. One of the possibilities which might be possible is to set up a series of lasers in space and concentrate them up on one point in space. This will heat up the temperature to trillions of degrees Celsius and hence result in opening up a bridge to the other parallel universes. This way we can travel to other parallel universes. Moreover, these parallel universes could be similar our universe but a reflection of our past or the future. This way we might be able to travel to the past or the future. I believe from my research that every instant of the time dimension of our universe results in the formation of another parallel universe. It might be possible to visit these universes which reflect our past. Moreover, it explains the captivating situation I mentioned earlier about all the things happening at once.
Imagine a parallel universe where you are the president of United States or the richest human being on earth or the Albert Einstein of that universe. Parallel universe makes it all possible. As the technology might develop, in the future it might be possible you could meet yourself who could be anyone you desire in this universe. Parallel universe is surely the most fascinating theory because of its promising nature. It explains why we humans exist in this physical reality. After researching about parallel universes, my mindset has changed because I now refrain from thinking just about our universe. I now think that anything is possible and we should just focus on physical reality.
He defines Parallel Universes as, “self-contained separate altered versions of our own physical realities”. Furthermore he thinks that the parallel universes are superimposed over our universe but existing in other dimensions. He gives various proofs and logical explanations to prove the existence of parallel universes. I found two ideas to be most compelling which indicate the presence of parallel universes. First, he uses the Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle to prove his point. Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle states that it is impossible to determine simultaneously the speed or the location of any particle with precision or certainty. Hence, he deduces that particles might instead not always remain in our universe. This implies that they travel back and forth through higher dimensions between the parallel universes indicating they might exist. Secondly, he uses logic to explain that we cannot be sure that our universe is unique and everything that exists. He explains this logic by pointing the cosmologist’s basic definition of universe – everything that is possible to see. Imagine a sphere comprising our universe extending fourteen billion light years in all directions from earth. Stars and galaxies beyond this are invisible to us because their light has not had time to reach us. He feels that the fact that we cannot see them does not mean that they are not there. Therefore, he concludes that there is a great chance that they might exist and some of them might me perfect copies of our universe i.e. parallel universes to our universe.
The importance of the concept of parallel universe can be understood by analyzing the consequences of this theory. This theory can explain the theory of everything, the weak nature of gravity, definition of time, singularity and big bang. All these theories have been some of greatest unsolved mysteries of physics which the concept of parallel universes can explain. The concept of parallel universes explains the String theory, the membrane theory and the eleven dimensions that are a part of our reality. All these theories lead to the theory of everything and this theory gives the reason why we exist in this universe. String theory says that matter and all the fundamental particles of nature are made up of invisible strings which vibrate like strings and this matter is present in the ten dimensions. Out of these ten dimensions, time is the fourth dimension and the remaining nine dimensions are spatial dimensions which we humans cannot perceive. Membrane theory expands this notion and says that our physical reality is instead made up of eleven dimensions and the eleventh dimension is Supergravity. The fundamental strings are woven like a sheet of membrane and these strings are spread across the eleven dimensions. Hence, the membrane theory or the M-theory says that our universe is like a membrane. These membranes are parallel to each other creating a series of parallel universes. This theory has several important implications because it explains many mysteries of nature. One of the prime examples of such mysteries which it can explain is the weak nature of gravity. Among the four fundamental forces of nature gravity is the weakest. Its weak nature could be understood with the example of a small magnet with electromagnetic force being able to pick up objects lying on ground against the force of gravity. One of the implications of M-theory suggests that gravity might be flowing from one the parallel membranes to our universe or membrane and may be gravity is not an inherent characteristic of our universe. Parallel universes also defy the common notion that time began with Big Bang. Now the physicists believe that time is eternal and its beginning cannot be traced back. It is the most fundamental dimension apart from the spatial dimensions.
Dr. Kaku thinks that it is even possible to visit these parallel universes. He uses the chaotic inflation theory to explain how this can be done. Chaotic inflation theory says that big bang is not unique and it keeps on happening constantly creating several universes. Further, our world sits on the skin of a giant bubble comprising our universe. These giant bubbles are distinct universes which are separated from each other by void or emptiness which cannot be traversed. He goes on to explain that these bubbles or universes can give birth to other universes by budding off from these parent universes just like bubbles. The laws of physics and matter in this baby bubble universe may be totally different. In this process of creation during a short interval when the baby universe detaches itself from the parent universe, there builds a small bridge between the two which can be crossed. But he says there is a severe problem with this method of crossing this bridge. Even if we are able to cross over to this baby universe, it is still going to be in its immature form where stars and galaxies will still be forming. Such a baby universe will be unstable and impossible to inhabit.
Dr. Kaku also discusses another mind boggling theory which is not only feasible but also provides a proper method of time travel and travel to another parallel universe. He believes that it is possible to open up a bridge in the universe. One of the fundamental concepts of physics says that space expands on heating to great amounts of temperatures. One of the possibilities which might be possible is to set up a series of lasers in space and concentrate them up on one point in space. This will heat up the temperature to trillions of degrees Celsius and hence result in opening up a bridge to the other parallel universes. This way we can travel to other parallel universes. Moreover, these parallel universes could be similar our universe but a reflection of our past or the future. This way we might be able to travel to the past or the future. I believe from my research that every instant of the time dimension of our universe results in the formation of another parallel universe. It might be possible to visit these universes which reflect our past. Moreover, it explains the captivating situation I mentioned earlier about all the things happening at once.
Imagine a parallel universe where you are the president of United States or the richest human being on earth or the Albert Einstein of that universe. Parallel universe makes it all possible. As the technology might develop, in the future it might be possible you could meet yourself who could be anyone you desire in this universe. Parallel universe is surely the most fascinating theory because of its promising nature. It explains why we humans exist in this physical reality. After researching about parallel universes, my mindset has changed because I now refrain from thinking just about our universe. I now think that anything is possible and we should just focus on physical reality.