Parallel universes or also known as alternate realities is currently a hypothetical concept which revolves around the idea that there might be multiple versions of realty that presently exist along with the universe which we live in.

This idea of parallel universes is popular among people because of many sci fi movies and series. Especially Stranger things, Matrix and all marvel movies. The depiction of these characters having the ability to travel between different universes and able to encounter different version of themselves. What if we can also do the same?

Imagine if we can go and encounter another version of ourself in a different realm across other universe. Sounds really cool right?

Although there will always be a debate about whether this is actually possible or just a crazy myth. But there is more into this topic which will be covered in this article.

1. Introduction

The concept of parallel universes or alternate reality was proposed by Hugh Everett who is considered as the father of the multiverse. He came up with the philosophy that quantum effects cause the universe to constantly split. And each split has multiple versions having different outcomes.

According to him ” We live in a countless universes, full of copies of each of us. This is the start of the science approach to this concept. However, in terms of religion, this concept is talked about in various terms. In Hinduism, they believe that there are 14 lokas that make up a multiverse.

There are a lot of theories about the existence of a multiverse. Most of them have this pre notion of these different universes might have different physical laws, history, etc. Some even think of these parallel universes as a cake layer where one exists on top of the other and only a thin layer separates each of them.

2. The Concept of the Big Bang And Parallel Universes

To dig deep into the topic of parallel universes we need to first know where it all started. Predominantly, The big Bang theory is the explanation of how the universe was created. The universe is built with a tiny point which was super hot and dense. Then 13.8 billion years ago this got exploded and began to cool. This was the birth of the formation of stars, galaxies, and other layers we see in the universe.

Now, this big bang theory does not necessarily suggest the existence of parallel universes. But it provides a framework for understanding the universe better. This helps in widening the study into the interpretation of string theory and cosmological inflation. These suggest the existence of a collection of the multiverse that exists alongside us.

Although the concept now is seemed to be far-fetched and only a theoretical idea. We can see some evidence related to the existence of parallel universes. We all know the existence of dark matter and dark energy. This is the majority power and mass of the universe. Scientists use the dark matter as a source of defense to somewhat prove that there can be an alternate universe. Not conclusive but it can be a defense.

The nature of dark matter is unknown, so scientists have proposed some theories in which the dark matter can be composed of particles that exist in other universes, but which can interact with our universe gravitationally. These are just speculative and not conclusive. So experiments in these theories might take years just to start the planning process.

3. The Many Worlds Theory

This is one of the interesting theories related to the existence of parallel universes proposed by  Hugh Everett in 1950s. He suggested that whenever there is a quantum event. The universe splits into multiple branches and each of them has a different outcome. When this branching process takes place, it gives an opportunity for the creation of a number of parallel universes. The quantum mechanics suggest that in all these universes, the laws of physics will remain constant but what will differ is the configurations and events of particles.

You will be familiar with Schrodinger’s cat paradox. Well if you need a clear idea of what this is. Then do watch the video below in the series “The Big Bang Theory” where Sheldon Cooper explains it in the best way possible. But to sum that up, this paradox tells that if you place a cat in a box with something that could kill it ( in this case radioactive atom) and close it.

We would never know whether the cat is alive or dead until we open the box. So, in this case, the cat is considered to be “dead and alive”.

So in respect to the Many worlds theory, the observer sees the cat alive in one branch and dead in another branch of the universe. Each of the possibilities in action becomes a reality in respective universes. The important thing to understand here is that the possibilities coexist and are independent. It never cuts in line with the other.

This being said, still it is a theoretical framework and has not been conclusively proven. There are lots of questions and debates from scientists regarding the conservation of energy and the complexity of maintaining multiple universes.

4. Conclusion 

Can a Parallel universe ever become real?

To this date, the possibility of parallel universe is a theoretical framework that is not conclusive. There are lot of philosophical debates and speculation as far whether this would ever be proved.

But many scientific theories and mathematical models propose the idea of a parallel universe exists. It gives an explanation for some phenomena observed in cosmology and quantum mechanics. Even within the explained theories, it has its own connotation of the existence of a parallel universe.

Some suggest that it might exist in different branches within a multiverse. While others propose its existence in the form of distinct regions of space beyond our observable universe.

Still, there is a lot to study in this vast area of parallel universe. The theories which exist now are good on paper. But the practical application of its effect is what would give conclusive evidence of whether it is possible that there are multiple realities. But it is a long way to go.

The question of whether a parallel universe ever become real will be a complex and ongoing enquiry. In the field of space exploration, we still have a lot to know about the universe which we live in. It’s not like in Marvel where you get time stone and can explore what you want.

But it is important to be aware of what if the parallel universe is real. There will be many universes and many versions of you. So, each will have an indirect impact on the decisions you take. The term Multiverse of Madness is opted as that is what will happen if this theory becomes real.

Last Updated on August 23, 2023 by ayeshayusuf