07-15-2011, 03:52 AM
Recently, I've been reading about string theory. For those unfamiliar with this, here's a brief overview:
String theory is a work in progress, so trying to pin down exactly what the science is, or what its fundamental elements are, can be kind of tricky. The key string theory features include:
To me, the most exciting thing about this is the alternate Universes thing. I had read many years ago a theory that went something like "anything anyone ever created exists in another universe." So the Star Trek and Star Wars universes exist.... somewhere or even somewhen. The Discworld, Dune, Perth, Gormenghast, Lilliput, Wonderland.... anything ever to spring from the fertile imagination of, well, anyone, exists. And all the choices we make, every decision, every moment of truth creates a new universe for us. That is both wonderful and frightening, to me. That the Star Wars Universe may actually exist, that's pretty cool. To think that in another Universe I'm married to an old boyfriend...um... well, that is scary.
What do you think of this? Is there another Universe you'd like to visit? One you'd rather not think about?
String theory is a work in progress, so trying to pin down exactly what the science is, or what its fundamental elements are, can be kind of tricky. The key string theory features include:
- All objects in our universe are composed of vibrating filaments (strings) and membranes (branes) of energy.
- String theory attempts to reconcile general relativity (gravity) with quantum physics.
- A new connection (called supersymmetry) exists between two fundamentally different types of particles, bosons and fermions.
- Several extra (usually unobservable) dimensions to the universe must exist.
- There are also other possible string theory features, depending on what theories prove to have merit in the future. Possibilities include:
- A landscape of string theory solutions, allowing for possible parallel universes.
- The holographic principle, which states how information in a space can relate to information on the surface of that space.
- The anthropic principle, which states that scientists can use the fact that humanity exists as an explanation for certain physical properties of our universe.
- Our universe could be “stuck” on a brane, allowing for new interpretations of string theory.
- Other principles or features, waiting to be discovered.
To me, the most exciting thing about this is the alternate Universes thing. I had read many years ago a theory that went something like "anything anyone ever created exists in another universe." So the Star Trek and Star Wars universes exist.... somewhere or even somewhen. The Discworld, Dune, Perth, Gormenghast, Lilliput, Wonderland.... anything ever to spring from the fertile imagination of, well, anyone, exists. And all the choices we make, every decision, every moment of truth creates a new universe for us. That is both wonderful and frightening, to me. That the Star Wars Universe may actually exist, that's pretty cool. To think that in another Universe I'm married to an old boyfriend...um... well, that is scary.

What do you think of this? Is there another Universe you'd like to visit? One you'd rather not think about?