It is Possible that Universes Exist Outside of Our Own?

The idea that there could possibly be worlds outside of our own has fascinated both physicists and fans of science fiction movies and literature for a long time. But how does this theory work? The Many Worlds Theory is a complex theory that is doubted by many. Still, it could be possible that alternative universes exist. 

To understand how this could be possible, you must first gain a basic understanding of quantum mechanics. Quantum mechanics, the study of physics at a subatomic level, is something that very few people fully understand. Subatomic particles do not follow the same rules that larger objects do. The behaviors of these particles are often bizarre and unpredictable.

In early days of quantum mechanics, it was common knowledge among scientists that physical entities (such as light or electrons) behaved as particles. However, in 1924, Louis de Broglie discovered that these entities also behave as waves. German scientist Ewrin Shrödinger (whom you may know for his famous cat, which we will look at later) came up with a complex equation to measure these wave functions, called the Schrödinger Equation. Thus, came about the concept of wave-particle duality. Until these particles are measured or observed, they are in superposition, meaning they are actually in multiple states at once. 

Many people, especially Schrödinger, thought that the concept of superposition and how it collapses when observed is ridiculous. Schrödinger came up with a thought experiment in which a cat is in a box with a device that releases a toxic gas if atoms in it have a certain reaction. There is a fifty percent chance of this reaction occurring, making there a fifty percent chance of the cat being alive. According to the idea of superposition, the cat is both dead and alive at the same time until the box is opened. 

Schrödinger believed that instead, the universe actually split into two separate universes, one in which the cat is dead and the other in which it is alive. This happens every time we make a decision. Say, you are unsure of whether to cut your hair short or keep it long. The second you make this decision, the universe splits into two. There are two different versions of you, one with long hair and the other with short hair. This can also occur with larger decisions you make, such as what college you will attend or whether to accept your partner’s marriage proposal. There are infinite possibilities.

On the other hand, some people actually believe that these universes have always existed. If this was true that would mean that every decision you made was predetermined before you were even born and there is no such thing as free will.

This theory, while logical, is doubted by many. It will probably never be proven to be 100% accurate, so keep that in mind before you try to visit your alternate-universe self. But whether it is true or not, the Many Worlds Theory is a fascinating interpretation of quantum mechanics that has inspired many different amazing works of science fiction that we all know and love. 

Works Cited 

Gribbin, B. (2021, April 15). The many-worlds theory, explained. Retrieved from https://thereader.mitpress.mit.edu/the-many-worlds-theory/

Crease, R. (2019, September 02). The bizarre logic of the many-worlds theory. Retrieved February 23, 2022, from https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-019-02602-8

Morin, D. (n.d.). Introduction to Quantum Mechanics - Harvard University. Retrieved February 23, 2022, from https://scholar.harvard.edu/files/david-morin/files/waves_quantum.pdf

Ball, P. (2018, October 18). Why the many-worlds interpretation has many problems ... Retrieved February 23, 2022, from https://www.quantamagazine.org/why-the-many-worlds-interpretation-of-quantum-mechanics-has-many-problems-20181018/