The concept of the multiverse implies the existence of many parallel worlds, each of which may possess unique physical properties. As reported by ScienceNews, this idea is important to scientists not only because of its intrigue but also because it may help in addressing key questions about the nature of the Universe.
One of the theories related to cosmology focuses on the inflationary period that began immediately after the Big Bang. At that moment, the Universe was rapidly expanding, and quantum fluctuations were stretched to cosmic scales, leading to the formation of galaxies in the observable part of the Universe. However, beyond our cosmic horizon, which we cannot observe, these fluctuations could have resulted in the creation of regions with completely different physical properties.
Andrei Linde, a physicist from Stanford University, believes that different laws may operate in such regions — for example, particle masses could be significantly larger, and gravity might function according to different principles. In most of these worlds, life is likely impossible. However, inflation may continue to this day, which means that new "bubbles" of space — separate universes with unique parameters — could be emerging.
This hypothesis helps to understand why the physical constants in our Universe appear to be perfectly suited for the existence of life. If there are many worlds, then the emergence of at least one with the necessary conditions becomes less improbable. Theoretically, traces of collisions between such universes could be detected in the relic radiation left over from the Big Bang. However, as noted by physicist Paul Halpern from Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia, there is currently no evidence for this.
There is also a version of the multiverse based on the principles of quantum mechanics, which suggests that particles can exist in multiple states simultaneously until measured. In 1957, physicist Hugh Everett III proposed an interpretation whereby all possible outcomes of quantum events are realized in different realities. In this case, each alternative exists in a separate universe, but observers cannot be aware of the existence of their copies. Testing this theory experimentally is extremely challenging.
Even if parallel worlds do exist, the path to them remains purely theoretical for now. Physicists speculate that different realities may connect through wormholes — tunnels in the space-time continuum. However, according to Halpern, even if such structures are possible, creating them would require colossal energies and masses that are beyond current technological capabilities.
