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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.

Latest Updates

'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness' is a madcap rush into a magical maelstrom (review)

By Jeff Spry published 10 May 22

Here's our review of Marvel Studios' "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness."

How to watch Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

By Luke Kemp published 9 May 22

The facts, the rumors, the questions, the cast; here’s everything we know about Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. It’s more than usual for the MCU.

Reality splinters in new featurette for Marvel's 'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness' (video)

By Jeff Spry published 16 April 22

Director Sam Raimi embraces cinematic insanity with Marvel's "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness" in this new featurette.

Why is the multiverse so popular in sci-fi at the moment?

By Gavin Spoors published 16 March 22

From Doctor Strange to Rick & Morty, everyone is diving into the multiverse at the moment, but why is it so popular?

Are there alternative theories that could explain the origin of the universe?

Alternatives to the Big Bang Theory (infographic)

By Karl Tate published 8 March 22

Infographic Most astronomers believe the universe began 13.8 billion years ago in a sudden explosion called the Big Bang. Other theorists have invented alternatives and extensions to this idea.

Cosmic chaos reigns in new trailer for 'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness'

By Jeff Spry published 19 February 22

Marvel Studios just released the newest trailer for director Sam Raimi’s "Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness."

This abstract illustration depicts a bubble-like multiverse.

The Higgs boson could have kept our universe from collapsing

By Paul Sutter last updated 30 June 22

The Higgs boson particle could have kept our universe from collapsing within a larger multiverse, physicists say.

An artist's illustration of the multiverse.

How real is the multiverse?

By Paul Sutter published 17 December 21

A multiverse may be a natural prediction of the physical theories that define the beginning of the universe.

Do parallel universes exist? Do we live in just one of many bubble universes?

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

By Vicky Stein, Daisy Dobrijevic published 3 November 21

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

Black holes, aliens, multiverse & Mars: Space TED talks you need to watch

By Libby Plummer, All About Space magazine published 26 May 21

Be even more inspired by the universe and TED Talks with our top picks of ideas worth spreading.

A miniuniverse that powers a car battery? Only in the world of "Rick and Morty."

From Brain Control to Multiverses, 'Rick and Morty' Gets Some Science Right

By Mindy Weisberger published 8 October 19

A new book tackles the science behind the fantastic technology and sci-fi concepts in the outrageous cartoon series "Rick and Morty."

An infrared view of the constellation Carina taken by the WISE telescope.

How an Inflating Universe Could Create a Multiverse

By Paul Sutter published 24 May 19

It's a perennial sci-fi favorite: other worlds, other universes, other possibilities, right beyond the bounds of the known cosmos or just a flick of a magic device away.

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 published 21 March 19

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 published 22 January 19

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

Our Universe Could Be An Expanding Bubble in an Extra Dimension

By Adam Mann published 7 January 19

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 published 26 September 18

What might stars be like in other universes?

String Theory May Create Far Fewer Universes Than Thought

By Clara Moskowitz published 30 July 18

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 published 22 July 18

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 published 15 May 18

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 published 3 May 18

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