Consequences of parallel universes

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of parallel universes, exploring questions about the implications of discovering another universe, the nature of space-time, and the characteristics of our universe in relation to potential other universes. Participants engage with theoretical frameworks, including quantum theory and cosmological models, while expressing varying degrees of certainty and speculation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question whether the discovery of another universe implies that our universe is finite, while others argue it is still possible for our universe to be infinite.
  • There are discussions about how gravitational forces might propagate between universes, with some suggesting that universes exist in their own separate spaces.
  • Participants mention different models of parallel universes, including quantum theory, the multiverse concept stemming from the Big Bang, and M theory involving brane collisions.
  • Questions arise about the compatibility of an infinite universe having a finite age, with some assuming that the Big Bang could have occurred within an infinite universe.
  • The idea that different branches of the quantum multiverse occupy the same space but cannot interact is presented, alongside a preference for the notion of a finite universe being more plausible.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express multiple competing views regarding the nature of universes, their interactions, and the implications of their existence. The discussion remains unresolved, with no consensus reached on key questions.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the speculative nature of the theories discussed, the dependence on various interpretations of quantum mechanics and cosmology, and the lack of empirical evidence for the existence of parallel universes.

RobinSky
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Hi, I have some questions that came up while thinking of this idea of parallel universes, I'm glad if someone could help answer these.

1. Assume we somehow discover another universe, does this discovery then imply that OUR universe is finite in size? Or is it still possible to have an infinite universe?

2. I've read that one POSSIBLE way to discover other universes is the way they MAY interact on each other with gravitational forces. However, assume we have 2 universes affecting one another with their own gravitational force, these forces, do they propagate through something in between these galaxies? Maybe this question doesn't even matter, neither the answer to it. But think of it like general relativity, mass bends space-time. But does a universe as a whole also bend some kind of "space-time outside the universe", this "thing" the universes exist in. Maybe this whole idea is totally wrong since I imagine space-time to be something that exists IN our universe. This question might be very nonsense, if so I'm sorry, it's just imagination playing in my head. Maybe the concept of time is not needed "outside the universe", or in this "thing" the universes exist in. However, it's fascinating.

Thanks in advance, please keep in mind I have no knowledge at all of this theory of parallel universes.
Robin Andersson
 
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Parallel universes is a very iffy concept. There are two or three variations.
1) Quantum theory basis. All possible outcomes occur in parallel universes.
2) Big bang created a bubble (our universe) in a multiverse.
3) M theory. Brane collision led to the big bang.

As far as I can tell there is no way to communicate with another universe, athough for 2 and 3, it was supposed to explain why gravity is so weak compared to other forces.

This is all very speculative.
 
RobinSky said:
1. Assume we somehow discover another universe, does this discovery then imply that OUR universe is finite in size? Or is it still possible to have an infinite universe?

It's still possible to have an infinite universe, being that the other universe would have it's own space. It doesn't share the space of our universe. If it did, they'd be a single universe.
 
Can you explain how our infinite universe could "share" it's space with another universe?
 
How can an infinite universe have a finite 'age'?
 
Chronos -Good question.

I've always assumed assumed that the BB took place in an infinite universe. Any thoughts?
 
Oldfart said:
Can you explain how our infinite universe could "share" it's space with another universe?

It doesn't. The other universe has it's own space. It doesn't share space with any other universes. If two "universes" shared the same space, they'd be a single universe. You can still have an infinite universe with the existence of other universes, being that each universe has it's own space.
 
Oldfart said:
Can you explain how our infinite universe could "share" it's space with another universe?
In the quantum multiverse, the different "universes" are just different branches of the wavefunction that cannot communicate with one another. They all occupy the same space, but can't interact.

That said, though we really don't know for sure if our universe were infinite or not, I think a finite universe is a better bet overall. Though in this case, the size may be very very large indeed. Especially if it turns out that eternal inflation occurs.
 

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