SfC Home > Physical Science > Astronomy >
Theory of Multiple Universes (Multiverse)
by Ron Kurtus (updated 18 January 2022)
The common theory is that there is one Universe (uni = one) that started with the Big Bang and is expanding in an infinite space. All matter is contained within the Universe.
However, that may be a limiting viewpoint. A new theory is that there may be multiple universes in various stages of expansion or contraction in space. They make up what is called the Multiverse, which may have been started by an even Bigger Bang.
Questions you may have include:
- How did our Universe begin?
- What is the possibility of multiple universes?
- Could there have been an even Bigger Bang in the Multiverse?
This lesson will answer those questions.
Universe
The Universe consists of billions of galaxies, which in turn consist of billions of stars and solar systems.
The prevalent theory is that our Universe was created about 13.5 billion years ago from a single area where all the matter was compressed into a small ball that suddenly exploded. This is called the Big Bang theory.
Velocity (speed and direction) measurements show that the universe is expanding and that the billions of galaxies seem to be moving outward from one center area.
Our Universe is expanding from a center point
Size is huge
The estimated size of our Universe is 156 billion light years wide. That means the Universe is expanding at a rate faster than the speed of light. Special conditions allow exceeding the speed of light.
The size or outer edge of the Universe is defined by the furthest point where matter exists.
What is beyond?
The question is: What is beyond the existing outer edge of the Universe?
Many astronomers believe it is just empty space or nothing at all. But that may be limited thinking.
Multiple universes
It certainly may be possible that space extends beyond the limits of our universe and that there exist other universes. They would be distributed throughout space, in different stages of expansion. It might be possible that some universes expand to the point that they start to overlap.
The combination of multiple universes is called the Multiverse.
Multiple universes beyond our universe
at varying stages of expansion
Other universes could affect ours
There has been speculation that some "dark matter" and "dark energy" exist within our Universe that has been affecting the rate of expansion. But it is quite possible that the expansion of our Universe is really affected by force fields from neighboring universes.
Cannot get information from others
We are limited in our view of things because we seem to be unable to get information outside of our Universe. Not only are the distances across our Universe enormous, but the possible distances between the various universes are even more immense.
Expanding Multiverse
There may also be a Big Bang for the Multiverse. (Let's call it the "Bigger Bang"). In other words, all matter was compressed into a very small area and exploded, sending out highly dense areas of matter. As these clumps of matter spread out and expanded, they too exploded and formed multiple expanding universes.
I'm not sure how we can test these theories or concepts.
Summary
It is believed that the Universe start with what is called the Big Bang. Astronomers can measure how long ago it happened, as well as the size of the Universe.
However, there is the question of: What is beyond the outer limits of our Universe? Is it possible that there are multiple universes out there, perhaps starting with their own big bangs and in different stages of existence? In fact, is it even possible that there was a "Bigger Bang" where this Multiverse started?
These are interesting questions about which to ponder.
Look beyond the obvious
Resources and references
Websites
Multiverse theory suggested by microwave background - BBC News
Multiverse - Wikipedia
Does the Multiverse Really Exist? - Scientific American
Books
(Notice: The School for Champions may earn commissions from book purchases)
Students and researchers
The Web address of this page is:
www.school-for-champions.com/astronomy/
multiverse_theory.htm
Please include it as a link on your website or as a reference in your report, document, or thesis.
Where are you now?
Theory of Multiple Universes (Multiverse)