Do we live in a Multiverse?

June 5, 2019

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The multiverse is the concept that there are alternate realities in which things are ever so marginally and/or vastly different.This means past the expanse of our observable universe there exists another observable universe where things are different: welcome to the multiverse. Such possibilities are exciting, and intriguing. It allows us to imagine that somewhere there are an infinite number of versions of ourselves. Below are four main theories which explain possible theories of the universe.

1. The first proposed model is the bubble universe model. In this model, there are universes too distant to view, rendering us unaware of their existence. After all we have a very limited view of 42 billion light years in an infinite universe. Another form of this is that universes exist inside of black holes. These black holes may be wormholes to these parallel universes. Perhaps we exists in one of these bubbles and the many universe-bubbles collect to form a vast ocean.

2. The second theory is that of membranes. This one is slightly more complex. It says that our universe, or what we know as our universe, is just a three dimensional surface part of a super-universe with many more dimensions. To imagine this think of how a paper is only a single surface that when combined with others becomes a three dimensional book. Other universes are the other pages to this book and are called membranes.

3. The pocket universe theory has become very popular with recent research. We know that the big bang was a rapid expansion of the universe resulting in the series of events which led to earth. This theory proposes that perhaps there are pockets of our universe which continue to expand and inflate. This means that these alternate universes would have much different laws of physics from ours. Applying this to string theory we can explain the solutions we have as physical laws of alternate universes. Many scientists who believe in this version of the multiverse also believe in the Anthropic principle which means that any slight change to physical laws would not allow the existence of life.

4. The many worlds theory is our third and final theory, as well as my personal favourite. It sets forth the idea that every possible alternate timeline is taking place. We are unable to perceive the existence of the other timelines because we are living out just one.These universes are governed by the same physical laws. This theory interprets quantum mechanics and probability in an infinite set of manifestations, we however exist in just one branch.

Will we ever know? Technology is being developed to detect “bruises” caused by collisions with other universes; should there be any that is. The study of quantum physics is often exploring the realms of our universe, so the the physicists will be the first to know. As of right now however there is no experimental proof of any of the above theories. The multiverse will continue to exist in movies, books and any form which sci-fi takes.