Questions We Have About All Space Theories in Brief!
- Mar 20
- 10 min read
Updated: Mar 21
Friends, whether real or simulated, we exist in a space, and within this space, we all experience very different things, overcome traumas, cry, and laugh. Before I begin listing our other basic needs, I want to get to the point. What is the universe, what is space? This planet we live on exists in space, or rather, in a space, and questions like how this space formed, why it formed, and how it will end have been asked throughout human history. In addition, questions like whether aliens exist or whether there is life outside of Earth also fall under theories of the universe because if they truly exist, they are also a part of this space; let's not exclude them. In short, in this article, I will briefly discuss theories about the formation of the universe, everything that has been put forward about the solar system, stars, galaxies, and the deepest parts of the universe. Note: I won't go into detail on everything because each deserves a separate article. Okay, that was a very long introduction, let's begin!
List of Fast Space Theories
Before I explain the ideas put forward about our universe as a galaxy explorer, I wanted to create a brief overview of theories about the universe from the past to the present:
Name of the Theory | Who brought this up? | Year |
|---|---|---|
Theory of Continuity of Consciousness | John Locke | 1650s |
Theory of the Speed of Light | Ole Roemer | 1676 |
Theory of Gravity | Isaac Newton | 1687 |
Atomic Theory | John Dalton | 1803 |
Flat Earth Theory | Samuel Rowbotham | 1849 |
Return of Eternity | Friedrich Nietzsche | 1870s |
Boltzmann Brain | Ludwig Boltzmann | 1870s |
General Theory of Relativity | Albert Einstein | 1907-1915 |
Big Bang Theory | Joel Scherk and John Schwarz | 1927 |
Wormhole Theory | Albert Einstein and Nathan Rosen | 1935 |
Fermi Paradox | Enrico Fermi | 1950 |
Parallel Universe Theory | Hugh Everett III | 1957 |
Multiverse Theory | Hugh Everett III | 1957 |
White Hole Theory | John Archibald Wheeler | 1960s |
Vacuum Accident | Yakov Zel'dovich | 1968 |
String Theory | Joel Scherk and John Schwarz | 1974 |
Quantum Immortality | Hugh Everett III | 1980s |
Fake Vacuum Decay | Michael Turner and Frank Wilczek | 1982 |
The Great Filter Theory | Robin Hanson | 1996 |
The Great Silence Theory | Robin Hanson | 1996 |
Teleportation Theory | Anton Zeilinger | 1997 |
Simulation Theory | Nick Bostrom | 2003 |
The Dark Forest Hypothesis | Liu Cixin | 2008 |
Roko's Basilisk | LessWrong Community | 2010 |
While some theories in this table are widely accepted today due to their high degree of accuracy, many remain questions. Before we begin, I want to say that in this article, instead of going into lengthy explanations of the universe theories you see above, I will briefly describe each one. In other words, I won't delve into deep details like, "Hugh Everett came up with this theory while fleeing from his wife with a knife," or "Einstein's idea of the cosmos came to him when he saw a banana taped to the wall at an exhibition."
Contents
All the Theories of the Universe You Should Know
Theory of Continuity of Consciousness
The central question of this theory is whether the consciousness that comes and goes is the same or different? The brain creates consciousness. The continuity of consciousness stems from this. When we faint or fall asleep, our consciousness is deactivated and returns when we wake up. Memories from the previous day and other memories are transferred to the newly present consciousness. But is this consciousness the same consciousness that comes and goes, or is it a different model?
Regardless of the topic, we don't completely lose consciousness while sleeping. According to a 2016 study, our consciousness doesn't completely shut down even when we sleep.
Theory of the Speed of Light
Although the speed of light has been precisely measured today, it was once believed that light had infinite speed or no speed at all. Danish astronomer Ole Roemer made history in 1676 by observing the timing of eclipses on Jupiter's moon Io, thus becoming the first person to measure the speed of light. While the speed of light is no longer a theory, it would be a mistake to disregard this "theory" given its immense contribution to the world of astronomy.
Those curious about the speed of light details, look here : What is the speed of light?
Theory of Gravity
Before Isaac Newton mathematically described gravity on paper in 1687, the force remained theoretical. As a result of various experiments and observations, Newton's discovery proved correct, and gravity is no longer just a theory, but a reality of our universe.
For those curious about the details of gravity, look no further: What is Gravitational Force?
Atomic Theory
The renowned chemist and physicist John Dalton, in 1803, proposed the atomic theory, stating that everything in the universe is composed of atoms and their properties. Briefly, Dalton argued the following:
All matter is composed of atoms, which are indivisible and indestructible.
All atoms of a given element are identical in terms of mass and properties.
Compounds are combinations of two or more different types of atoms.
A chemical reaction is the rearrangement of atoms.
Thanks to Dalton, a new door was opened to our understanding of the universe (matter). And, because it is a proven fact, atomic theory is not just a theory, but one of the other realities in our universe.
Flat Earth Theory
Samuel Birley Rowbotham, also known as Parallax, with an anarchic attitude, particularly in his book "Zetetic Astronomy: The World Is Not a Sphere," put forward the theory that the Earth is flat. According to Rowbotham, the Earth is a flat disk. He also argued that the North Pole surrounds this disk like a wall, and that the Sun, Moon, planets, and stars are only a few thousand kilometers away from Earth. Rowbotham, if you were alive today, I would love to see you at the head of the "Flat Earth Society."
Return of Eternity
The eternal cycle, or perpetual motion, is the idea that time repeats itself in an endless loop, and everything repeats itself infinitely throughout both time and space. The recurring events are always the same and never change. This theory, put forward by Nietzsche, is a bit too philosophical, but I didn't want to ignore it because it encompasses the entire universe.
Boltzmann Brain
Imagine a brain floating in a void, imagining reality—that's what we call the Boltzmann brain! What did Descartes say? "Cogito ergo sum," meaning "I think, therefore I am." At least we have a sentence that supports the existence of a brain floating in infinite space!
General Theory of Relativity
General relativity is a theory developed by Einstein that explains how spacetime responds to the presence of mass and energy. Mass and energy warp and bend the fabric of spacetime, creating gravity. This theory provides a fundamental framework for explaining the motion of celestial bodies and the overall structure of the universe. By helping us understand the relative nature of time and space, general relativity explains many phenomena, from black holes to cosmic expansion.
Wormhole Theory
Wormhole theory is a theory based on general relativity that makes travel between different points possible by creating shortcuts in spacetime. According to this theory, a tunnel called a wormhole connects two separate points in spacetime. In this way, great distances can be covered by shortening spacetime, and time travel is possible.
For those curious about the details of wormholes, read on: What is a Wormhole?
Fermi Paradox
The Fermi Paradox was first raised during a 1950 talk at Los Alamos by Enrico Fermi, Edward Teller, Emil Konopinski, and Herbert York. The paradox arose from a discussion about flying saucers and the possibility of faster-than-light interstellar travel. Fermi, referring to the abundance of Earth-like planets and the long history of the Milky Way galaxy, posed the world-famous question, "Where is everyone?" He argued that Earth must have been visited many times by extraterrestrial civilizations.
Big Bang Theory
The Big Bang theory is a cosmological theory that explains the beginning of the universe and its expansion. The theory posits that the universe began at a point of extreme density and heat, and then continuously expanded. Following the Big Bang, the universe resulted in the formation of matter, energy, space , and time. This theory provides a fundamental framework for explaining the present-day structure of the universe and phenomena such as the observed cosmic microwave background radiation.
String Theory
String theory is a theory that proposes that fundamental particles and forces are composed of strings, the smallest building blocks of the universe. According to this theory, all fundamental particles, subatomic particles, and force carriers in the universe originate from various modes of these strings, which vibrate in different modes and intertwine in different ways. String theory aims to resolve the discrepancies between general relativity and quantum mechanics. However, it has not yet been experimentally proven and many points remain unexplained.
White Hole Theory
The white hole theory is a hypothetical astrophysical concept considered the complete opposite of black holes. According to this theory, white holes, unlike black holes , do not allow matter to fall into them and constantly eject matter and energy. However, the existence of white holes has not yet been observed, and it is highly likely that they will never be observed in our universe. Why? The answer to this question is below.
For those curious about the details of white holes, read on : What is a White Hole?
Parallel Universe Theory
The parallel universe theory proposes the existence of multiple universes parallel to our own. These universes may have different outcomes, different laws of physics, and even different ways of evolving species.
Multiverse Theory
Multiverse theory proposes that the universe consists of multiple universes rather than a single one. Multiverse theories are generally divided into three main categories:
Inflation Model: Our universe is like a bubble in an infinite space, just one part of a multiverse filled with other bubbles. These bubbles are distinct from one another, each with its own physical laws and initial conditions.
Branching Universe: With the wave function collapse of quantum mechanics, every possibility becomes a reality, creating an infinite number of universes. Each possible state represents a universe.
Parallel Universes: Other universes exist, just like our own, and they may or may not be governed by the same physical laws as us.
The Dark Forest Hypothesis
The Dark Forest Hypothesis is a concept introduced by Liu Cixin in his science fiction novel "The Three-Body Problem." According to this hypothesis, civilizations in the universe remain silent towards each other because it is impossible to know the intentions or technological level of any single civilization.
According to the hypothesis, any civilization in the universe would prefer to remain silent rather than send signals that could be used to detect the existence of other civilizations and establish communication. This is because the intentions of one civilization could be determined by other civilizations.
Vacuum Accident
A "vacuum catastrophe" or "vacuum collapse" describes a situation where the universe suddenly transitions into a vacuum state, or a particle suddenly disappears from a field where it could exist. The concept of a vacuum catastrophe assumes that a particle exists as an energy wave in a quantum field. If this particle falls below a certain energy threshold, a "vacuum state" can form in the quantum field. This vacuum state means the particle disappears or transforms. The occurrence of this event can cause the energy balance of the quantum field to change and transition to a new state.
The Great Filter Theory
The Great Filter is a significant obstacle or barrier that civilizations may encounter in their evolution or spread. These obstacles can arise at any stage, from the origins of life to the formation of advanced civilizations.
It is not known for certain what the Great Filter is or where it is located. Possible Great Filters may include:
The beginning of life
The evolution of intelligence
The challenge of advanced technology
The collapse of civilizations
This concept aims to answer the Fermi Paradox.
The Great Silence Theory
The Great Silence theory attempts to explain the lack of any signs or evidence of advanced civilizations in the universe. It suggests that these civilizations may have chosen to remain silent or possess technology too advanced to reach us, for various reasons, thus remaining completely undetected in the universe.
This concept is another important theory that attempts to explain the Fermi Paradox.
Simulation Theory
Nick Bostrom published his simulation theory in 2003 with the article "Are You Living in a Computer Simulation?". According to Nick, if a sufficiently detailed mind could be created, a community could be formed that think and act just like humans. Now, imagine a sufficiently advanced technology; how difficult would it be to have them live in a non-physical world, entirely constructed in their own minds?
Simulation theory has a continuation: layered worlds. That is, a community that has achieved sufficient technological advancement could create another digital world within its own "world," where it could create supposedly conscious beings. Ultimately, it's impossible to know which is the real world because there could be too many layers of simulation.
Teleportation Theory
Teleportation is a phenomenon most commonly seen in movies and video games. In short, teleportation is the process of converting matter into energy and then converting that energy back into matter. Thanks to Einstein, the E=mc² formula works here too: the conversion of matter into energy.
Although research into teleportation is currently underway, it also brings with it incredible possibilities:
Will the person I was before teleportation be the same person I am afterward?
Will my body have any deficiencies or excesses after being irradiated?
Will I be able to teleport to the correct location?
Roko's Basilisk
This theory argues that in the future, humanity will create a very powerful artificial intelligence that will take over everything. However, for this theory to become a reality, the artificial intelligence would have to want to punish anyone who doesn't work for its existence.
Fake Vacuum Decay
The vacuum state is the lowest energy state we know of in the universe. Pseudo-vacuum decay occurs if this energy decreases even further. This transition is extremely violent and propagates throughout the universe at the speed of light, transforming everything it touches into a low-energy field. In short, it destroys matter, everything.
Quantum Immortality
According to the many-worlds principle, everything that is likely to happen, happens in another local world (universe). For example, you might be hit by a car while crossing the road, you might fall to the ground, or you might cross the street. And all these possibilities, both those I've mentioned and those I haven't, occur simultaneously in other parallel universes. This is where quantum immortality comes in: If you have even a 0.000001% chance of surviving a fatal situation, your consciousness will keep you alive by transitioning between other worlds. During this time, you are unaffected by the jumps in your consciousness; you can simply say, "Oh, I'm having a lucky day."
For example, imagine you have a bomb next to you that has a 50% chance of exploding every second, and you're in the same room with that bomb for 20 seconds. Before the bomb explodes, the universe splits in two: the bomb explodes or it doesn't. Consciousness, in order to survive, transitions between these universes during those 20 seconds. Without understanding these transitions, you anxiously wait in the room, wondering, "Will the bomb explode or not?"
