The parallel universe, also known as the multiverse or alternate universe, is a hypothetical self-contained plane of existence that coexists with our universe. The idea of a parallel universe arose from various branches of astronomy and theoretical physics, including quantum mechanics, cosmology, and string theory, making the parallel universe a trend throughout various decades.
Multiverse in cosmology
In cosmology, the idea of a parallel universe, or a multiverse, refers to an idea that our observable universe is one among the many universes that exists, forming a complex structure known as the multiverse.
Inflationary multiverse: It is a concept that arises from cosmology. Inflation proposes that the early universe underwent an extremely rapid expansion during the first moments of its existence. The inflationary multiverse hypothesis suggests that the inflation process was not uniform and that it occurred in various places in different times, leading to the creation of “bubble universes” within a larger inflating space. Each of these bubble universes had its own physical properties.
String Theory: String theory suggests that the fundamental building blocks of a universe are not particles, but tiny and vibrating strings. These strings can vibrate at different frequencies, giving birth to various particles such as quarks, photons and gravitons. It also predicts the existence of extra spatial dimensions beyond the familiar three dimensions.
Landscape Multiverse: A concept arising from string theory, the landscape multiverse theory allows a vast number of possible vacuum states. These vacuum states correspond to different configurations of the extra dimensions and different values of fields in the theory. The entire collection of these potential vacuum states is referred to as the “landscape”. In the context of landscape multiverses, proponents argue that the vast number of possible universes in the landscape allows for a selection of those that permit the emergence of life.
Are things in the parallel universe the exact opposite of those in our observable universe?
The theory that the things in the parallel universe are the exact opposite of those in our observable universe is not a universal characteristic for the multiverses. The properties and nature of parallel universes, if they exist, would depend on the specific theoretical framework or hypothesis being considered.
Parallel Universe in Fiction
Parallel universes are a popular and intriguing topic in fiction that has allowed various authors and directors to explore a rich and imaginative universe. Stranger Things is a series that explored elements of the parallel universe, such as the “Upside Down”, a dark mirror of the character’s reality. A book series “The Chronicles of Narnia” by C.S Lewis features a magical land, named Narnia, which is accessible through the wardrobe. Narnia is a parallel universe with its own rules and inhabitants.
Conclusion
Though the existence of a parallel universe has not been proved by the scientists, it has been an intriguing theory to research and caused millions to ponder upon the plausibility of the multiverse.
Works Cited
Clark, J. (2023). Do parallel universes really exist? [online] HowStuffWorks. Available at: https://science.howstuffworks.com/science-vs-myth/everyday-myths/parallel-universe.htm.
Howell, E. (2018). Parallel Universes: Theories & Evidence. [online] Space.com. Available at: https://www.space.com/32728-parallel-universes.html.
Wikipedia Contributors (2019). Parallel universes in fiction. [online] Wikipedia. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parallel_universes_in_fiction.
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