Multiplying universes: How many is the multiverse?

[okapi]

How many universes are there? Cosmologists Andrei Linde and Vitaly Vanchurin at Stanford University in California calculate that the number dwarfs the 10^500 universes postulated in string theory, and raise the provocative notion that the answer may depend on the human brain.

The idea that there is more than one universe, each with its own laws of physics, arises out of several different theories, including string theory and cosmic inflation. This concept of a "multiverse" could explain a puzzling mystery - why dark energy, the furtive force that is accelerating the expansion of space, appears improbably fine-tuned for life. With a large number of universes, there is bound to be one that has a dark energy value like ours.

full story: http://www.newscientist.com/article/...ultiverse.html

[Montecito]

Yeah, I have seen some very good documentaries with Stephen Hawking about the multiuniverses. They are like bubles. It's extremely difficult to travel to them though (if not impossible).

[okapi]

Yeah, I have seen some very good documentaries with Stephen Hawking about the multiuniverses. They are like bubles. It's extremely difficult to travel to them though (if not impossible).

The numbers they talk about if you read the whole article are astounding. That's what surprised me. String theory talks about 10^500 universes but these guys are talking about numbers beyond comprehension, like 10^(10^10,000,000).

Very interesting article, it goes into dark matter implications and the role of the observer. No, not The Observer.

[xofringe314]

Well, if any choice you make can make another universe, then there should be A LOT of them.

[okapi]

Well, if any choice you make can make another universe, then there should be A LOT of them.

Those numbers come straight out of the math, not any Walter-babble about human choice. All of that is anthropomorphic (but fun).

[miley]

The idea that there is more than one universe, each with its own laws of physics, arises out of several different theories, including string theory and cosmic inflation.

Ok, well first of all, I believe String Theory is now obsolete. Or more precisely, more dimensions have been added to the equation, morphing it into a new theory called M Theory or Membrane Theory. And I watched an interesting program on the Science channel that suggested (however didn't provide much background information) that a person can theoretically create a universe in their own basement.

Well, if any choice you make can make another universe, then there should be A LOT of them.

Could even be infinite.

[okapi]

M Theory or Membrane Theory

Evolutionary developments that still fall under the umbrella moniker "string theory".