If the research bears out as reliable and verifiable, this is very cool! Part of theoretical physics (or, more specifically, quantum mechanics), something called the all-worlds or many-worlds theory (a.k.a. multiple histories), states that all possible events occur, each giving rise to its own universe and time line. That is, for every possible outcome, divergent realities are created where those outcomes take place. To wit (from the article):
Parallel universes really do exist, according to a mathematical discovery by Oxford scientists described by one expert as “one of the most important developments in the history of science”.
The parallel universe theory, first proposed in 1950 by the US physicist Hugh Everett, helps explain mysteries of quantum mechanics that have baffled scientists for decades, it is claimed.
In Everett’s “many worlds” universe, every time a new physical possibility is explored, the universe splits. Given a number of possible alternative outcomes, each one is played out – in its own universe.
A motorist who has a near miss, for instance, might feel relieved at his lucky escape. But in a parallel universe, another version of the same driver will have been killed. Yet another universe will see the motorist recover after treatment in hospital. The number of alternative scenarios is endless.
It is a bizarre idea which has been dismissed as fanciful by many experts. But the new research from Oxford shows that it offers a mathematical answer to quantum conundrums that cannot be dismissed lightly – and suggests that Dr Everett, who was a Phd student at Princeton University when he came up with the theory, was on the right track.
Read the rest of the article for a fantastic journey into scientific discovery, this one stabbing at the very heart of the universe’s nature as we assume it to be. I realize it’s a bit complicated for novices in this arena, but still I think you can glean the gist of the finding from this exciting article. I’ll be watching this closely.
Friday Ark #158 is boarding and already has a plethora of zoological goodies for your consumption. Don’t miss it.
Extreme & Beautiful Weather. Photos. And the video at the end is very fascinating. Need I say more?