Tuesday, December 20, 2011

STRING THEORY OR MULTIVERSE V. UNIVERSE

Posted by: Barbara Longley


There is still time to get in on the drawing for the Kindle Fire, a basket of 25 e-books, or the a $25 gift card to B&N or Amazon (your choice). Just read the post, leave a comment and include your contact info.

A typical Sunday evening you can find me with my laptop open, my Kindle or Nook nearby, and the TV on for background noise. A couple of Sundays ago, this is how it went: Blah, blah, blah, blah, parallel universe, blah, blah. Say what? Back up! My interest was caught, and I watched two Nova specials back-to-back. The first was about String Theory, and the second was about Multiverse vs. Universe theory. Cool stuff.

A brief summary of string theory according to my limited understanding: Physicists used to believe that the tiniest most infinitesimal part of an atom was a single point of energy. Some now believe the smallest part of an atom is not a point at all, but a string of energy that twists, turns, loops and folds. This belief led scientists to posit that time is not linear as we imagine, but that it too bends, loops, twists, turns, loops and folds. Evidence (which is way beyond my ken) also suggests there are more than the three dimensions we are familiar and comfortable with. These theorists have identified eleven to be exact. Hmmm. It stands to reason that if there are multiple dimensions, and if time can bend back on itself, then parallel dimensions/worlds must also exist.

A brief summary of Multiverse vs. Universe theory according to my limited understanding: According to physicists and other branches of science, there are only a limited number of elements in existence. All matter is created by combining these elements in different ways. (2 Hydrogen atoms combined with 1 Oxygen molecule = water, etc.)  The explanation they gave for the existence of multiverses was profound in its simplicity and clarity. Take a deck of cards and start dealing poker hands. With a limited number of cards, after a while a pattern emerges, and you get identical hands. Look at the limited number of elements the same way. They shuffle and deal, and eventually you're going to get identical combinations. The theory? If you apply the principal of multi-combining elements, you must logically conclude that our universe has been replicated numerous times. You and I have been replicated multiple times. Our universe is one of many. We are living out our lives in another universe even as I write this. Whoa, right?


Both factions claim they are very close to proving their theory is correct. Someday we will be able to step across the time-line into another reality. Someday we'll be able to create a portal between multiverses. But for now? A fact is only a fact until proven otherwise. We used to believe the Earth was flat. We used to believe the sun was in orbit around the Earth. How we understand our reality and our place in our reality is always changing, and I find that fascinating.


In my debut novel, HEART OF THE DRUID LAIRD I guess I went with String Theory. The fae live in a void dimension. They project their desires upon the void, and this is how they create their living space. Without their magical projected energy, there is nothing in that dimension but swirling, gray mist. Ancient man once called the realm the Mists of Avalon. Now, none speak of it at all, yet it is still there, as are the beings who inhabit that mystical place.

So, what do you think? Suspend disbelief for a moment, and make a choice. Do you lean toward String Theory or do you lean toward Multiverse Theory?

67 comments:

  1. I went with string theory in The Weaverfields Heir, but in Quarter Square (and in real life) I lean more towards the multiverse theory. :)

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  2. Cool. I have to stick with String Theory. I really want to time travel.

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  3. I like them equally. I think both are possible so they make for good reading.

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  4. I like string theory - it makes God the original knitter/crocheter... As a long-time science fiction fan, I've always liked the multiple universe theory too. In my genii romance, part of the djin's power is rooted in their ability to move freely across the boundaries between different times and universes.

    contact: laramie@dreamspell.net

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  5. In my opinion, there's no reason to exclude God from either theory. Best of luck in the drawing, Laramie.

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  6. Interesting theories. Glad someone else thinks about those things! But if I have to choose, I like String Theory. The idea of time looping and bending and twirling is fun to think about.

    contact: sheshehebert@gmail.com

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  7. Oh, Sherry! Thanks so much for stopping by. Good luck in the drawing. We're having unseasonably warm and dry weather here. Still, no ocean nearby. Hope your Christmas is filled with family and love!

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  8. Love the post and the idea of timr travel. And I'd love a Kindle Fire!!

    Beth

    beth.szabo@att.net

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  9. That was a facinating post, and I am going with that multiverse theory.

    caity_mack at yahoo dot com

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  10. I lean toward the multiverse theory but I like to think there's a bit of string theory involved as well. We never really know but it's very interesting to consider.

    Cambonified[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  11. I am a firm believer in the string cheese theory.

    P.S I read your book and I loved the characters and the plot! What a great book!

    jeff.c.otis@gmail.com

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  12. I like the sound of the multiverse. I wish I had a greater understanding of it and string theory.

    sgrime@gmaildotcom

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  13. I'm so confused... would the I in another dimension understand? I hope so.

    I like the idea of multiverse because you could try and fail, and try again.

    lcahoon7@gmail.com

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  14. I have heard of string theory, but I just can't wrap my mind around other dimensions, especially other dimensions and times with a version of me in them. Crazy.

    Tami
    thughes8839@embarqmail.com

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  15. I have heard of string theory, but I just can't wrap my mind around other dimensions, especially other dimensions and times with a version of me in them. Crazy.

    Tami
    thughes8839@embarqmail.com

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  16. I want to try and find one of those other me's. I'd have one of stay home and take of things while the other of us went to work. Just think how great that would be!

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  17. Thanks for all the great comments folks! Best of luck with the drawing.

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  18. Recently it was proved that certain particles can move at a speed greater that light. Does this tilt the balance in anybody's favor?

    iampriteshdesai@gmail.com

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  19. Maybe a new theory up and coming? I don't know, but that's cool. thanks.

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  20. I don't know much about physics, I never took it in school. The multiverse theory is easier to comprehend for me. I don't have a clue!
    Thanks for the contes.
    mcv111@hotmail.com

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  21. My brain hurts thinking about it. I do believe there are multiple dimensions, but I don't believe I am duplicated in all of them. That just sounds exhausting!! I do think the scientists have a lot more to learn.
    Thanks!!
    Cynthia@cynthiacooke.com

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  22. I lean toward a combination of the two...string and multidimensional. I believe this could be where the déjà vu feelings come from...pretty wild to think about it!

    Loraine H
    l_k_hunziker (at) hotmail (dot) com

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  23. I'm with Cynthia Cooke - this makes my head hurt just thinking about it, but I do believe in multiple dimensions, but I also do not believe that I am duplicated in them. I think there are possibilities for crossing into them though. And that's about as far as my brain wants to let me think on it, lol

    Gena Robertson
    robertsongena@hotmail.com

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  24. I think I lean toward string theory because I truly don't understand multiverse. Of course, as I read that sentence it sounds like I understand string theory, lol. Great post, Barbara!

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  25. I love that you also sit in front of the TV with your laptop and Kindle close by. I also have my Blackberry by me too! String theory makes sense to me. I love the idea that we might be able to move between dimensions! Thanks for the great post!

    acamotherangel@yahoo.com

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  26. Thanks for stopping by, Juliet. Best of luck in the drawing. Technically, I don't think I fully grasp either theory, but I get enough of it to be fascinated. Thanks for stopping by, Trisha.
    Good point about deja vu, but I always attributed that to reincarnation..Hmmm. Might have to rethink that. :0)

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  27. I would love to time travel, think it would be interesting to say the least. I would love to win the kindle fire.

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  28. Jkressin, you didn't leave an email address or twitter id in the body of your comment. I hope you come back and see this. We need your contact info in the comment! When the blog asks for that info when you comment, that's anti spam filtering. We don't see it. :0(

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  29. Wow! Interesting stuff indeed. I really like the way you explained it at a level I can understand. ha!

    Which one would support alternate history? That's the genre I'm fascinated with.

    anita (at) anitamaedraper (dot) com

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  30. I think that would be String Theory, since that's the one supporting non-linear time. Thanks for the comment.

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  31. I missed those NOVA shows. Borges also mentions the parallel universes in "Garden of Forking Paths." I find the idea of string theory and multiverses fascinating and physics is becoming one of my favorite sciences to study. Our perceptions of space & time will continue to be challenged it seems. :-)

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  32. I'm in the non-linear time group. Loved this post Barbara. It reminds me of Fringe. Have you watched that show? It has the whole alternate dimension/parallel universes colliding thing going on. You'd like it, I think.

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  33. I never have watched Fringe, because it was on during a time when I had a commitment. I'll have to check it out. Thanks, Eleri.

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  34. I think we can have both strings and multiverse. However, God being infinite, even if matter combined to form duplicate beings, the individuals inhabiting those forms would be different because infinity has no limits. Even clones, while physically identical, are neither visually identical nor are their lives identical. The moment matter forms, it becomes subject to variability. Thus, our identical selves in other universes of dimensions would be different from us. Make sense?

    Virginia Boylan at VelkaECS (at) aol (dot) com

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  35. Absolutely, Virginia! I agree with everything you just said. Eloquently said, by the way. :0)

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  36. Great, thought provoking post! I have to admit, scientific thoughts on this level tend to make my eyes just glaze over...it was never my thing! The first time I ever heard of string theory was on "The Big Bang Theory". Not the most intelligent TV choice, but there it is!

    Stacey
    staceyc4@nc.rr.com

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  37. I love Big Bang Theory! Thanks for stopping by, Stacey.

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  38. Not sure which I think is more accurate - probably both :)
    I love science and how we learn new things daily. Very cool premise for your fairy world.

    clancy
    clancym13 (at) gmail (dot) com

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  39. I too get great creative inspiration from the universe, multi-verse and string theory science. Your book sounds fun. P.R. Mason
    Contact info: pmas0518 @ bellsouth.net

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  40. Very interesting and sort of scary stuff to think about! Thanks for the great info to get my mind running wild today! hthurmeier@gmail.com

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  41. I really like your use to the String Theory. in creating a world for your character. This theory can be used not only for a time travel but also for a setting for a fantasy story. the possibltiies are endless on the storylines and plots you can get from this central idea. oh yeah that Kindle Fire would be nice too
    Lea5962@aol.com

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  42. I love the notion of multiple universes. I was tired of this one anyway...

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  43. I was far better at English than science, lol. Talk about the info zipping over my head! Whatever is a proven fact, I believe there is more to one human being that what you see in the present. There are other worlds out there with humans unlike us. I can't back any of that up. My research is best spent in historical romances. But it's just something I feel and believe.

    Interesting post.

    Jannine
    italy9@cox.net

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  44. wow! That's creepy and fascinating at the same time!
    I had heard the term "String Theory" and never knew the meaning but now I do :)
    Looking forward to reading your book.

    hiba008@gmail.com

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  45. Barbara, I believe in both the string and multiuniverse theories. I've always believed in more than three dimensions and parallel universes. And at the rate of discovery of new planets and galaxies, it only makes sense that there are other universes out there as well.

    Your book sounds awesome and I will add it to my list of presents to myself.

    tamara@tamarahunter.com

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  46. Oh, thank you, Tamara! Best of luck in the drawing. :0)

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  47. For fiction, I go with the magic theory.

    Heart of the Druid Laird sounds wonderful! Just my cuppa. :)

    jacquierogers @ gmail.com

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  48. Thanks for stopping by, and you'll have to let me know if you like my book, hiba008 Have a wonderful holiday. Thanks for stopping by, Lea, Stephanie and Jannine, Clancy, Confuciuos and Heather.

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  49. I like Scots, magical things, and Faeries, Jacquie. Can't go far wrong when writing or reading about such things. Thanks for stopping by, and best of luck in the drawing.

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  50. I think I would go with string theory, but ahhhh, multiverse...I'm not sure iof both are possible. Is cool that both are close to proving it. (Now, we know "close" can still mean a very long time from now.)

    Great post, thank you! Heart of the Druid Laird sounds very good. A very fun read!

    Thank you participating in this.
    Happy Holidays!
    Sonia
    mamaelk1113 at gmail dot com
    MAMAELK1113 Twitter3
    GFC Mamaelk
    FB sonia remo ait

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  51. I love that picture! Beautiful!

    Jesse
    jesse(dot)kimmelfreeman(at)gmail(dot)com

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  52. I never hear about the good Nova shows until after the fact. Grr. I like the Multiverse idea, but think I'm a string theory gal all the way. :) Thanks for the Kindle opportunity!

    Sherifredricks(at)charter(dot)net

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  53. Thanks for stopping by, Sheri. Best of luck with the drawing.

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  54. I don't understand the science of it all. I just love the idea of parallel universe! Happy Holidays everyone!

    Lisa Mondello
    http://www.lisamondello.blogspot.com

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  55. Same to you, Lisa! Happy Holidays. :)
    I just realized (yeah it took me a few days) that my blog had nothing to do with the holiday season. I hope you're all okay with that.

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  56. I've always leaned towards string theory because of its matching with the nature of time and memory, neither of which are, nor FEEL, linear.

    For example, your memory/recollection, feels like a continuous fluid thing but when you really examine it, it's quite choppy. That sense of time is there but it isn't linear.

    -Soumia (wahraniah@gmail.com)

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  57. I'm not sure what I believe as science confuses me, but both theories sound interesting.

    Margay1122ATaolDOTcom

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  58. There is a certain lyricality to string theory that kindles my senses, and thus captures my allegiance. I'm naturally averse to speaking with certitude about matters of such complexity though...regardless, here's to the power of scientific imagination triumphing in either case!

    contact: wjlight33[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  59. I go with multile dimensions and lots of parallel universe all living with in each other where time itself can bend and cross over.... got to love paranormal writing. elaine emb4s@hotmail.com ;)

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  60. Dear wjlight33. Yeah. What you said. :0) Elaine, I too love the idea of bending time. Just think of the possibilities, should we ever come to the point in our own evolution where we are be able to interact with time in ways as yet unimagined.

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  61. I have always thought things are not as they appear. There has to be more than just us right?
    So this all makes perfect sense.

    shewoolf@gmail.com

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  62. Thanks, Doris. I've always felt the same. There has to be more...

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  63. I'm not sure. I tend to think of things like this abstractly. My mind can bend and twist and go with with different versions. So, I'm willing to believe that either theory or some unique combination of both is possible. How's that for a convoluted answer?

    %viviennewestlake@gmail.com%

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  64. I say string theory. I love fantasy stories. Merry Christmas!

    tabithablake at ymail dot com

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