Modeling Universes: Can We Predict Theoretical Universes?

[alvarogz]

Well, I discussed with a classmate about the wonders of this cosmos, watching "Into the Universe with Stephen Hawking", the alien chapter, which told about concepts of alien life in exoplanets. So we thought about concepts of "Exouniverses". I use this term because:

Is it possible to model or predict (through mathematical models) universes with different physical constants?. I mean, considering a universe where the mass of neutrons, protons or electrons are different,the amount of matter vs antimatter or where speed of light is different (for example).

Basically, as we make astrobiological or astrometeorological models (based in changes of atmospheric pressure, gravity or any other environmental feature), can we make cosmoligcal predictions or are we unable to do it because this "Theoricals Universes" are unimaginable.

"Unimaginable" sounds ambiguous if we talk about relativity or quantum physics, I know, but let's think about this concept of modeling universes.

 

[Chalnoth]

Well, theoretical physicists do this sort of thing all the time. The primary difficulty is that doing so necessarily invokes unknown physics, which means that all such attempts are currently only speculative (i.e. if the high energy laws of physics have such and such properties, then other universes might look like...). It's not terribly difficult to do, at least at a hypothetical level, but we just don't know enough about physics to say much of anything definitive about other universes.

 

[Chronos]

There are about 26 [IIRC] fundamental constants in this universe. Generally speaking, if you tweak one, you tweak the others - often with unfortunate consequences for life in the universe. The constants in this universe are exquisitely fine tuned to permit it to survive this long without disintegrating, collapsing, or depleted of energy. Does that imply other universes? - unknown. Thus far all we can say is no other such entities are known or necessary to explain the properties of our universe.

 

[Chalnoth]

There are about 26 [IIRC] fundamental constants in this universe. Generally speaking, if you tweak one, you tweak the others - often with unfortunate consequences for life in the universe. The constants in this universe are exquisitely fine tuned to permit it to survive this long without disintegrating, collapsing, or depleted of energy. Does that imply other universes? - unknown. Thus far all we can say is no other such entities are known or necessary to explain the properties of our universe.

Well, I think that the evidence of such things is most likely to arrive from discoveries in high-energy physics, in particular the nature of various sorts of spontaneous symmetry breaking.

 

[sardar]

I find this topic fascinating and thought-provoking. The idea of modeling theoretical universes with different physical constants and laws of nature is certainly a complex and challenging task. While it is possible to create mathematical models that can predict the behavior of certain systems, the vastness and complexity of the universe makes it difficult to accurately model entire universes.

One of the main challenges in modeling theoretical universes is the lack of empirical data. Our understanding of the universe is based on observations and experiments within our own universe, which may not necessarily apply to other universes with different physical constants. Therefore, any predictions made based on these models would be purely theoretical and may not reflect the reality of other universes.

Additionally, the concept of "unimaginable" universes brings up the question of whether our human minds are even capable of comprehending such vastly different realities. Our understanding of physics and the universe is limited by our own perception and cognitive abilities. It is possible that there may be aspects of other universes that are simply beyond our understanding.

However, that does not mean that we should not continue to explore and investigate the possibilities of other universes. As scientists, it is our duty to push the boundaries of knowledge and continue to question and explore the unknown. While we may not be able to accurately model theoretical universes at this time, it is certainly an intriguing avenue of research that could potentially lead to new discoveries and insights about the nature of our own universe.