The multiverse theory, though a source of controversy and dispute in the field of science, can be considered more than just a plot line for sci-fi TV.
We believe the size of the observable universe is estimated to be around 93 billion light-years in diameter. Hold your horses because this value is only what we can observe from our vantage point on Earth, and there may be much more universe beyond our observable horizon. The actual size of the entire universe, be it finite or infinite, is still a topic of ongoing research and debate in the field of cosmology.
Quantum Mechanics :
The Many-Worlds Interpretation is a theory in quantum mechanics that suggests that the universe is constantly branching into parallel realities with every possible outcome of a quantum measurement. This theory was first proposed by Hugh Everett in 1957 and has gained traction in the scientific community ever since.
In classical mechanics, objects have a single, definite position and velocity, and measurements can be made without affecting the object being measured. However, in quantum mechanics, particles exist in a superposition of states, meaning that they have many possible positions or velocities at the same time until they are observed or measured. The act of measurement forces the particle to “collapse” into a single state, and the observer only sees one outcome.
The Many-Worlds Interpretation suggests that, instead of collapsing into a single state, the universe splits into multiple versions of itself, each containing a different outcome of the measurement. For example, if a particle can be either spin-up or spin-down, the universe splits into two parallel realities, one where the particle is spin-up and another where it’s spin-down.
The Many-Worlds Interpretation suggests that, instead of collapsing into a single state, the universe splits into multiple versions of itself, each containing a different outcome of the measurement. For example, if a particle can be either spin-up or spin-down, the universe splits into two parallel realities, one where the particle is spin-up and another where it’s spin-down.
In this interpretation, there is no such thing as a single objective reality, but rather a “multiverse” of parallel realities coexisting and evolving independently.
There’s a possibility of multiple outcomes or states at the same time and all possible outcomes of a quantum measurement actually occur, each in its own parallel universe, and that the observer simply experiences one of them.
Bubbles:
Now lets talk about the theory of eternal inflation, which is a modification of the standard big bang theory of the early universe. This theory suggests that our universe is just one of many “bubbles” that are continuously forming and expanding within a larger, inflating multiverse.
In the eternal inflation theory, the universe undergoes a period of rapid inflation shortly after the big bang, during which the universe expands at an exponential rate. This inflationary period is driven by a hypothetical field called the inflaton, which has a negative pressure that causes the universe to expand faster and faster.
As the universe expands, it eventually reaches a point where quantum fluctuations cause small areas to undergo further inflation and form new “bubbles” of space and time. Each of these bubbles represents a separate universe with its own set of physical laws and properties. The inflating multiverse is like a vast sea, with bubbles forming and expanding like foam on the surface.
The idea of parallel universes arises from the possibility that different bubbles in the multiverse could have different physical laws and properties. For example, some bubbles might have a different number of dimensions, or different fundamental particles and forces.
Moreover, each bubble universe could itself contain a multitude of parallel universes, with different outcomes and possibilities. In this way, the eternal inflation theory offers a framework for understanding the existence of multiple universes, each with their own unique properties and characteristics.
A pinch of salt:
These theories (as with most theoretical physics notions) are always subject to debate.
After all, how can we know this is even remotely true if we physically can’t access them?
There is currently no direct experimental evidence to support the existence of a multiverse, and the theory has yet to be fully validated. Nonetheless, the concept of the multiverse provides a fascinating framework for exploring the nature of the universe and the possibility of alternative realities.
Is that me?
Take a regular deck of cards.
Now shuffle the deck an infinite amount of times
Inevitably, the order of the deck will repeat itself (for example: Ace of spades, seven of hearts, three of diamonds..etc.)
Now we can use this to understand how, in a universe next door, there’s you but…no… it’s not you. What turn would your life have taken had you taken that job, had you kissed that guy(yes this does seem all very trivial after talking about an infinite universe), had you been born in Brazil. In simple terms, matter (like the cards in a deck) can be arranged in an infinite amount of ways. So, yes, eventually its organization will repeat to create another version of you.
Bare in mind that this is a rather clumsy metaphor, but the foundation of this idea is here to help you (like it helps me) wrap your mind around this freaky theory.
Keep up with me to learn some more scientific bits and bobs broken down so they make a bit more sense.