What is Subspace? Exploring Sci-Fi Concepts

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In summary, The term "subspace" is often used in science fiction TV shows such as Star Trek and Stargate, and is a subset of a space that is a space itself. It is a literary invention used to allow for FTL travel and communication. It does not exist in real life as it is portrayed in these shows. "Hyperspace" is a similar concept used in fiction for the same purpose.
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revan
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I have heard the term 'subspace' repeated many a time in various science fiction TV shows, Star Trek and Stargate the most notable. What is this subspace they refer to, does it really exist. Thankyou.
 
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I think that it may be the "space" that wormholes cut through to emerge on the other side of our "space"
 
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revan said:
have heard the term 'subspace' repeated many a time in various science fiction TV shows, Star Trek and Stargate the most notable. What is this subspace they refer to, does it really exist. Thankyou.

It's strictly a science fiction term, in this use. In geometry or topology a subspace is any subset of a space that is a space itself. For example any plane is a subspace of three dimensional space.

hix said:
I think that it may be the "space" that wormholes cut through to emerge on the other side of our "space"

No, wormholes don't tunnel through anything. This may be one of the hardest ideas to grasp: the curvature in general relativity is intrinsic; it only involves spacetime itself, and doesn't require embedding spacetime in any higher dimensional space. So curved features of spacetime, including wormholes, don't go "through" anything, they are just complex curvatures within spacetime.
 
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I've often seen the term 'hyperspace' and 'subspace' used, but only in 2d flat pictures of gravitational effects. They are just representive tho.
 
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"Subspace" and "hyperspace" are literary inventions that are invoked to allow the transmission of information and the transport of masses through space at FTL speeds in TV shows and movies. Star Trek (Gunsmoke in outer space) would not have worked as a series without these "cheats".
 

1. What exactly is subspace?

Subspace is a theoretical concept in science fiction that refers to a dimension or space that exists alongside our own physical world. It is often described as a "lower" or "higher" dimension that can be accessed through advanced technology or through natural abilities possessed by certain characters in science fiction stories.

2. How is subspace different from outer space?

Subspace is different from outer space in that it is a theoretical construct and not a physical space that can be explored and observed in the same way as outer space. It is often depicted as a sort of "shortcut" through space, allowing for rapid travel between distant points in the universe.

3. Is subspace based on real scientific principles?

While the concept of subspace is rooted in real scientific principles, such as theories of higher dimensions and quantum mechanics, it is largely a fictional concept and has not been proven to exist. However, some scientists have explored the idea of subspace as a potential means of faster-than-light travel.

4. Can subspace be used for time travel?

In some science fiction stories, subspace is used as a means of time travel, allowing characters to travel through both space and time. However, this is purely speculative and not based on any known scientific principles. The concept of subspace is still largely a theoretical construct.

5. Are there any real-life applications of subspace?

As subspace is a fictional concept, there are currently no real-life applications of it. However, some scientists have proposed the idea of using subspace as a means of faster-than-light travel, but this is still just a theoretical concept and has not been put into practice.

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