New article on the scientific possibilities of parallel universes. What's your take?

Question

I came across an interesting article that discusses the viable possibility of parallel universes.

From the article: "The idea of multiple universes is more than a fantastic invention -- it appears naturally within several scientific theories, and deserves to be taken seriously," said Aurelien Barrau, a French particle physicist at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), hardly a hotbed of flaky science."

here's the article... what's your thoughts?

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/s/afp/071230/entertainment/science_astronomy_cosmology_film_books_entertainment

Answer 1

the truth is, no one really knows what is real or fake. other dimensions or parallel universes? hmm, no one really has the answers to some of the questions we have. i believe that there is life in other galaxies perhaps. In fact, that would seem likely. as for other universes, i think that it could be possible. i mean, we are, aren't we, we simply are here. matter takes up space, doesn't it, it simply does. all of these already unexplainable things are possible such as space, and how there are no limits. what would possibly prove that there is NOT a parallel universe? if space travels on for ever, then then there must be a way that a parallel universe exists between the lines somewhere. it just seems logical. while i dont have the answers, nor does anyone else, you can still use judgement to think of your own well-educated opinions.

Answer 2

The article is interesting but typical. Please note that this theory was first proposed in 1957 but supporting theories, mathematical equations, and experimental testing was not available so the theory sat there not worthy of scientific study. Now particle accelerators and better science (new equations, new theories, etc.) are available to embrace this concept.

If it is true or not will have to wait experimental testing (just like with super string theory).

It's a shame that scientist had to stumble on this support rather than attempted to pursue support for the theory.

Just my thoughts.

Answer 3

I agree this is somewhat interesting, but I neither support nor discount the conclusions they have drawn.  I have a bit of trouble getting excited about very basic, *speculative* theoretical thought.  They are studying things that are almost intangible.  And, true to the scientific method, they aren't saying what *is* so much as what *isn't*.  In other words, they aren't saying there is a parallel universe, they're saying it's not impossible.  If they get closer to broad abstractions then I might be a bit more excited, but not so much for the time being.

By the way, that was a pathetic tie-in with the Golden Compass.  Why can't they write science articles without dumbing it down to the second grade level?

Answer 4

This has been around for a bit and, to me, is interesting indeed.  Especially since it is now believed that gravity is so much weaker than the forces due to the likelihood that it acts beyond our 3 dimensional space (4, counting time).

I've included another URL for you to examine.  Enjoy!

Best regards,

Jim

Answer 5

Hi Reiki Chick,

As always, you stimulate the thought process to the max.

As my ongoing take on abstract theory, I contend this is much like unto a game played where one comes up with some way out thought or supposition if you will and full well knowing is can never be proven beyond the hypothetical theory stage, touts and speaks of possibilities that in the world of hard core factual reality, are not provable, but when your audience sits with mouths hanging open as a notable has spoken, we have not much more than a witch doctor and the tribe ready and willing to believe whatever the head hodo man comes up with.

In the epics of the far east, it is suggested the universe is the result of Rama, who is presently in the sleep stage, and is exhaling breath, and this breath is what we know as our expanding universe. Perhaps parallel universes would become a reality if Rama were to exhale through the nose, there by creating parallel universes.

When we stop and think about it, and when we gaze into the heavens, are we not looking at and are we not a part of the makeup of a large mass that could and does constitute something on a much larger scale and hyper dimensional level?

Perhaps we could be the sub-atomic particle makeup of a speck of dust on a policemans uniform in the upper dimension. Does not our own solar system somewhat resemble an atom, with a necleus ( The Sun ) with protrons and neutrons ( The Planets ) revolving around the necleus and comets which would be free electrons as expressed in the present day electron theory?

Please excuse me for saying so, but in my opinion, our present day witch doctors leave much to be desired.  

Again, outstanding and thought provoking question from the one and only Reiki Chick.

NOTE: I have modified my response to eleminate referring to the creator as being involved in my statements and suppositions.

I sincerely apologize if I have inadvertently offended anyone in having made such a reference. Peace be with you.

Darryl S.

Answer 6

as a investigator  of paranormal/spiritual activity, I have found it to be a very interesting theory. If you read back through a lot of the questions i have asked, they have had to do with theories arising from Quantum Physics. Parallel universes and wave effects are in theory plausible. I do believe that this would explain the reasoning behind so many things such as hauntings and or even UFOs.  The theory would be that the past, present, and future could all exist at the same time in different parallel universes. And every once in a while a wave occurs in time and allows being to come and go thru our universe.Who knows maybe we go in and out of theirs too.

Answer 7

There are numerous concepts in the sciences that can not be explained using the proven and accepted theories such as the cause of gravity, black holes, and the origin of the universe.  Parallel universe theory is an attempt to find a theory that brings greater order to the unexplained.  

Theoretical physicists are always looking for new ways to explain our world, and some of the theories are unbelievable when they are first introduced to the world.  Tesla's experiments with static electricity had a "Frankenstein" feel when he first began his work.  Einstein's ideas of a Unified Field theory were first considered an ambition attempt to answer questions on gravity and electromagnetism, but are now widely considered a failure.  On the other hand, Relativity has been shown out as a true, if crazy sounding, phenomenon in the physical world.

It's not obvious whether the theory of parellel universes will eventually help to explain our world better or be left behind as a footnote in physics, but it is interesting to explore the possibilities before dismissing them.  

I personally don't believe that using infinity theory and probability is a viable basis for theoretical physics, but, if nothing else, this theory does test our concepts of what it means to believe that the universe is "infinite" and whether probability can be used as a predictive tool in theoretical modeling.  Thanks for the question, B!

Answer 8

I'm not a theoretical physicist so I can't comment on the scientific aspect of the theories, but it sounds cool. It has no connection with our every day lives so I'm not so much interested in this as I am other scientific topics.