Exploring the Possibility of Proving the Multiverse Concept
Written on
Chapter 1: The Expansion of Space
Space is on the move, and researchers have come to a consensus on this matter. However, a perplexing question lingers: What exactly is space expanding into? Does the very notion of expansion suggest the existence of something that it is filling? Alternatively, could it be that as space stretches, it merely increases the distances within the cosmic fabric?
Researchers lean towards the latter hypothesis. Essentially, the Universe is finite yet expanding within an infinite realm. The prevailing theory suggests that space is flat, resembling a rubber sheet. If you were to mark two points, they would continually drift apart as the vacuum of space expands.
Interestingly, some scientists suggest that our vacuum might not be the only one undergoing expansion. They propose that other Universes, which mirror our own, may also be expanding. This brings us to the concept of the Multiverse.
The multiverse theory is less a mere hypothesis and more an unavoidable outcome, as noted by Forbes. This notion is built upon two established principles: universal inflation and quantum physics. Cosmic inflation indicates that before the Big Bang, the Universe was saturated with energy that fueled the inflation process. When this inflation reaches its peak, all the energy is transformed into matter in a colossal, hot explosion.
But the narrative doesn't end there. Cosmic inflation continues to be governed by a quantum field, leading to the rapid emergence of regions of space that experience inflation at varying rates. This suggests that our Big Bang might represent just the midpoint of an unobservable segment of the Universe's expansion.
As a result, numerous Universes could emerge in the vacuum of space, each eventually reaching its own Big Bang. This encapsulates the Multiverse theory.
Currently, this idea remains untestable and unprovable, which is why it is referred to as a potential inevitable outcome of natural laws, rather than a mere theory. Furthermore, cosmic inflation has emerged as the leading universal model, replacing the Big Bang Model.
Nonetheless, there is significant physics backing this concept:
Here are 3 ways a Multiverse could exist. This video explores various theoretical frameworks that suggest the existence of multiple universes, each with its own properties and dimensions.
1. Stephen Hawking's Final Theory
Before his passing, Hawking presented his last theory, revising his earlier claims regarding eternal inflation. His original paper proposed that eternal inflation led to diverse pocket universes floating in a vast cosmic ocean. However, Hawking and Thomas Hertog later adjusted their theory, acknowledging that Einstein’s theory of relativity falters at the quantum level. Their new proposition, informed by String Theory, argues that our Universe has a boundary in the past concerning space and time. This theory doesn't negate eternal inflation but narrows the Multiverse concept to a more manageable scope.
The notion of a boundary within the Universe opens avenues for researchers to study gravitational waves generated by eternal inflation. Current technology is unable to detect the necessary waves to validate this new theory, but forthcoming scanners may hold promise.
Multiverse Theory Is Not Fiction Anymore. This video discusses the shift in perception regarding multiverse theory, highlighting emerging evidence that supports its plausibility.
2. The Concept of Parallel Universes
Brace yourself, as this area of research can be quite mind-bending. The idea of parallel universes stems from the belief that dimensions beyond our familiar three of space and one of time may exist. Proposed by Paul Steinhardt and Neil Turok, this theory suggests that a higher dimension could separate our time and space from an identical but unreachable realm.
Some theorists speculate that when these parallel universes accidentally interact, a Big Bang occurs, resulting in the formation of a new Universe. This theory requires a deep dive into the oldest stars in the observable Universe to look for matter fluctuations.
3. The Mysterious Cold Patch
Researchers have recently been intrigued by a cold patch discovered in 2004 and confirmed in 2013. This region poses a challenge to conventional inflation theory and was recently ruled out as an optical illusion. Some theorists propose that this cold patch could signify a collision point between our Universe and another bubble universe, further necessitating support for Hawking’s final theory.
If scientists can substantiate that this cold spot represents a collision between universes, they would inadvertently lend credence to Hawking's assertion regarding the Universe's boundary.
Ultimately, the field of Physics strives to decode the fundamental laws of nature and understand their workings. If the Multiverse is validated, it could significantly challenge all existing research. Theoretically, in a Multiverse, laws of nature would vary dramatically until they begin to repeat, suggesting that these laws are merely coincidental occurrences—a daunting thought for the scientific community.
Regardless of whether this concept is proven, the exploration of space continues relentlessly. It seems inevitable that answers to our inquiries will eventually surface, although whether we will welcome those answers remains a separate question entirely.