Scientists Argue That Multiple-Universe Theory Simplifies Our Understanding of The Cosmos

New research by Raphael Bousso of the University of California, Berkeley suggests that a multiple-universe interpretation of the cosmos actually simplifies our understanding of dark matter, vacuum energy, and other mysterious topics (New Scientist, 6 March, 2010). Bousso and others argue that this isn’t just a theoretical discussion but an empirical one. By working with formulas that incorporate a multiverse approach, a so-called “causal patch” approach, actually fits real data better than the Einsteinian perspective which has trouble dealing with the temporal frame of each observer. The possibility of many universes, all existing simultaneously, actually does away with the time paradox.

The implications of this approach are straight out of Flatland. It follows from the multiverse approach that higher dimensional universes sometimes impinge upon our own, just as a three-dimensional looking hologram is imprinted on a two-dimensional surface. In this way, different bubble universes can interact with each other: By leaving imprints at each others boundaries.

Flatland–The Movie

When I first read Edwin Abbott’s Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions (1884) over a decade ago I was really impressed with both his storytelling skill and his vision for the human predicament. That is, we live in a multidimensional universe, but our socialization often encourages us to tune out anything but everyday, ordinary social, cultural  and economic phenomena. Thus, we become like the main character in Flatland, aware of a larger universe but unable to connect with it without feeling ridiculed, ostracized, or worse.

Now the book has been turned into animated movie featuring the voice of Martin Sheen and other actors. I thought they did a great job with it, preserving the impact of the original story while benefiting from the latest animation techniques. Read more about the Flatland movie here.