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Multiverse

Scientists speculate that ours might not be the only universe out there — we might instead live in a set of infinite or parallel universes called a "multiverse". Infinite universes are a consequence of several scientific theories; for instance, if spacetime truly goes on forever it might start repeating eventually, since particles can only be arranged a finite number of ways. A multiverse could also arise from "bubble universes," pockets of space in an inflating universe that are never able to meet; or parallel universes, where multiple 3D universes are held in higher-dimensional space, unable to interact. While some universes in a multiverse might be like our own, others could have wildly different laws of physics and fundamental constants.

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Parallel universe: Artist's depiction of quantum bubbles and multiverses.

Do parallel universes exist? We might live in a multiverse.

By Vicky Stein 08 June 2021

There are a few good theories for a multiverse — an infinite number of parallel universes besides our own.

Different observations of the same reality (in photons) may both be correct, according quantum mechanics.

More Than One Reality Exists (in Quantum Physics)

By Mindy Weisberger 21 March 2019

Can two versions of reality exist at the same time? Physicists say they can — at the quantum level, that is.

High mountain peaks glowing in the moonlight.

A Mirror Image of Our Universe May Have Existed Before the Big Bang

By Erik Vance 22 January 2019

Before the Big Bang, time may have run in reverse.

Our Universe Could Be An Expanding Bubble in an Extra Dimension

By Adam Mann 07 January 2019

Is our universe sitting on the edge of an expanding bubble?

Why Alternate Universes Might Also Host Life Around their Stars

By Charles Q. Choi 26 September 2018

What might stars be like in other universes?

String Theory May Create Far Fewer Universes Than Thought

By Clara Moskowitz 30 July 2018

Some physicists claim the popular landscape of universes in string theory may not exist.

Alien Thinking: The Conceptual Space Art of Jonathon Keats

By Mike Wall 22 July 2018

A look at the space-themed works of experimental philosopher Jonathon Keats.

Aliens May Well Exist in a Parallel Universe, New Studies Find

By Brandon Specktor 15 May 2018

Could alien life be hiding in the multiverse? New studies say, "sure!"

Stephen Hawking's Final Paper Cuts the Multiverse Down to Size

By Rafi Letzter 03 May 2018

The great physicist's library of work is now complete.

Stephen Hawking's Last Paper (Probably) Doesn't Prove We Live in a Multiverse

By Tia Ghose 24 March 2018

Stephen Hawking's last paper has been touted to provide a way to finally test for the existence of a multiverse, but it's unlikely to do that, several experts said.

Stephen Hawking's Final Paper Proposes Way to Detect the 'Multiverse'

By Mike Wall 20 March 2018

Stephen Hawking's final research paper could help astronomers find evidence that our universe is just one among many in a larger "multiverse," according to media reports.

Stephen Hawking's Best Books: Black Holes, Multiverses and Singularities

By Sarah Lewin 15 March 2018

Physicist Stephen Hawking, whose death was announced March 14, wrote prodigiously for both a popular audience and the scientific community over the course of his career. Here are the highlights.

Should You Capitalize the 'Universe'?

By Rafi Letzter 30 January 2018

Grammar wars innnnnn spaaaaaaaace!

Mysterious Billboard Drops Clues for 'Stranger Things' Season 2

By Harrison Tasoff 24 October 2017

Devoted fans don't need to wait till the end of the week to discover clues about what will happen when "Stranger Things" returns.

If We Live in a Multiverse, Where Are These Worlds Hiding?

By Mindy Weisberger 21 June 2017

What is the scientific basis for the popular science-fiction convention of multiple universes?

Man bends over backwards as he floats through an abstract, psychadelic plane

'Doctor Strange' Astrophysicist Talks Mind-Bending Marvel Science

By Sarah Lewin 03 November 2016

'Stranger Things': How Realistic Are Parallel Worlds?

By Tia Ghose 25 August 2016

The strange parallel universe on the show "Stranger Things" has some similarities to concepts physicists have proposed in the past.

Testing the Multiverse: Beyond the Limits of Science? (Op-Ed)

By Robert Lawrence Kuhn 02 April 2016

The verdict is out on whether multiverses exist, and a lot of great minds are struggling with the issue.

Confronting the Multiverse: What 'Infinite Universes' Would Mean

By Robert Lawrence Kuhn 23 December 2015

If we are living in a multiverse, will we ever really know?

Cosmic Confusion: Talk of Multiverses and Big Errors in Astrophysics

By Calla Cofield 12 June 2015