String Theory: Alternate Universes?

[Scythe Matters]

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:

• 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?

[old honda rider]

Yea, my dad and I went to see Roger Penrose give a talk on this a couple of years ago.

Had no clue what he was talking about. To say it was over my head is to say Mt Everest is a pimple.

[Scythe Matters]

(07-15-2011 07:24 AM)old honda rider Wrote:  Yea, my dad and I went to see Roger Penrose give a talk on this a couple of years ago.

Had no clue what he was talking about. To say it was over my head is to say Mt Everest is a pimple.

I know just what you mean! I went to a lecture by Stephen Hawking several years ago and felt way out of my depth.

[Mufasa]

Saying that you are out of your depth when speaking of a conversation with SBH is like telling someone about to be hit by a tidal wave that they may experience moisture.

[Rey]

Oh, those pesky scientists! Why do they even bother? We already know all the answers to these kind of questions. The Earth is the center of the universe, and the moon, sun, and stars all revolve around it...

[Scythe Matters]

(07-16-2011 12:08 PM)Rey Wrote:  Oh, those pesky scientists! Why do they even bother? We already know all the answers to these kind of questions. The Earth is the center of the universe, and the moon, sun, and stars all revolve around it...

Galileo? Who was he?

[Scooter Britches]

Wait...isn't the Earth flat?

I say great if there are alternate universes! Since I aren't smawrt enuff fer all dat science mumbo-jumbo, I'll jes stick wid my overly active imagination.

Come with me...and you'll be...in a world of pure imagination...

[burma.girl]

(07-15-2011 09:01 PM)Mufasa Wrote:  Saying that you are out of your depth when speaking of a conversation with SBH is like telling someone about to be hit by a tidal wave that they may experience moisture.

Makes me think of sumpin' Sting said about performing with Elvis Costello: "When Elvis expresses himself vocally, there's a lot of moisture around...."

I once heard - OK I could have this TOTALLY WRONG but this is how I remember it so correct me if necessary - that Carl Sagan said there are more stars in the sky than there are grains of sand on Earth, and how ignorant it would be to assume that human beings were the only "intelligent" [my quotes] life form that existed.

Keeping this theory in mind, one summer when my eldest was a few years younger than she is now, we were laying in a hammock enjoying balmy breezes and the pretty blue sky. I broached to her the notion that "somewhere up there" was a little girl exactly like her, sharing a hammock with HER Momma exactly like me, staring straight back at us. What would she [human daughter] like to say to her "space sister?" We proceeded to have a conversation with our "other selves," and it truly is one of the best memories (so far) that I have with her.

String theory?! Like others, waaaay beyond my brain capacity. My universe and reality is created by simple, everyday decisions about how I feel is the right way to treat other human beings and hope they reciprocate. Pray that I'm doin' right by my kiddos. And keeping my mind open to the endless possibilities.....

"Here endeth the lesson."

[Scythe Matters]

That's sweet! I like that idea of talking to your "space sibling."

I only broached the subject because the idea of alternate Universes just fascinates me. Guess it's my Sci-Fi geekiness showing

[old honda rider]

Wait... ya mean that the universe wasn't created by the Flying Spaghetti Monster??

Heresy, I say! Heresy! Burn all unbelievers at the stake!

Or in a pot of boiling water for about 7 minutes with a little salt.