Difference between revisions of "Wormhole"
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| − | A '''wormhole''', in [[science fiction]], is a passage from one location in three-dimensional space to another. It is based on the concept that space has more than three dimensions, and that 3D space can be "folded" within 4D space much as a 2D piece of cloth can be folded within 3D space. | + | A '''wormhole''', in [[science fiction]], is a passage from one location in three-dimensional space to another. It is based on the concept that space has more than three dimensions, and that 3D space can be "folded" within 4D space much as a 2D piece of cloth can be folded within 3D space. The [[General Theory of Relativity]] says that wormholes may exist. |
| − | The significance of a wormhole is that it would allow a trip through it to take much less time than a journey between the same two points in conventional space. | + | The significance of a wormhole is that it would allow a trip through it to take much less time than a journey between the same two points in conventional space. The mouths of a wormhole may be at any two points in [[spacetime]], including at different times; this would allow time travel by going through the wormhole.<ref>[http://www.npl.washington.edu/AV/altvw33.html "Wormholes and Time Machines"], John G. Cramer</ref> |
| − | + | Some scientists speculate that [[black holes]] might be entrance portals to wormholes, leading to hypothetical [[white holes]]. | |
The first prediction of a wormhole was made by physicist Hermann Weyl in 1921, and physicist John Wheeler coined the term “wormhole” in 1957.<ref>http://www.astronomyexpert.co.uk/Wormholes.html</ref> Its relatively unattractive name has probably hurt its popularity and interest level among the general public. | The first prediction of a wormhole was made by physicist Hermann Weyl in 1921, and physicist John Wheeler coined the term “wormhole” in 1957.<ref>http://www.astronomyexpert.co.uk/Wormholes.html</ref> Its relatively unattractive name has probably hurt its popularity and interest level among the general public. | ||
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[[Category:physics]] | [[Category:physics]] | ||
[[Category:Science fiction]] | [[Category:Science fiction]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Relativity]] | ||
Revision as of 02:18, December 2, 2009
A wormhole, in science fiction, is a passage from one location in three-dimensional space to another. It is based on the concept that space has more than three dimensions, and that 3D space can be "folded" within 4D space much as a 2D piece of cloth can be folded within 3D space. The General Theory of Relativity says that wormholes may exist.
The significance of a wormhole is that it would allow a trip through it to take much less time than a journey between the same two points in conventional space. The mouths of a wormhole may be at any two points in spacetime, including at different times; this would allow time travel by going through the wormhole.[1]
Some scientists speculate that black holes might be entrance portals to wormholes, leading to hypothetical white holes.
The first prediction of a wormhole was made by physicist Hermann Weyl in 1921, and physicist John Wheeler coined the term “wormhole” in 1957.[2] Its relatively unattractive name has probably hurt its popularity and interest level among the general public.