Space warps could become a reality, scientists say

A study published in the journal Classical and Quantum Gravity suggests that space warps may be closer to reality than we previously believed. The technology is especially explored in the Star Trek franchise, and allows travel above the speed of light by manipulating the structure of space-time.

Understand:

• A new study suggests that space folds – widely explored in science fiction films, such as Star Trek – could reach real life;
• Technology manipulates the structure of space-time to enable travel above the speed of light;
• A study published in 1994 suggested the need for negative energy for the folds to function. The new study, however, contradicts this hypothesis;
• The model mixes traditional and new gravitational techniques to create a warp bubble capable of transporting objects at high speeds – without, however, reaching speeds greater than the speed of light;
• The new study still needs to be confirmed by other scientists, but the team highlights that the work is an important step in the search for efficient interstellar travel;
• The article was published in the magazine Classical and Quantum Gravity.

The new article contradicts a hypothesis proposed by physicist Miguel Alcubierre in 1994. In the study, Alcubierre explains the possible functioning of spatial folds in real life, presenting the “Alcubierre impulse” – which addresses the need for negative energy or the use of dark energy to make them reality.

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New study could help create spatial folds in the future

As the scientists explain in the paper, the new model uses “a sophisticated mix of traditional and new gravitational techniques to create a warp bubble that can transport objects at high speeds within the limits of known physics.” The proposed engine would not be able to reach faster than light speed, but it would come very close.

The mathematics of the new study still need to be confirmed by other researchers, but the team believes the work is an important step in supporting other research in the search for efficient interstellar journeys.

“Although we are not yet preparing for interstellar travel, this research heralds a new era of possibilities,” explains Gianni Martire, CEO of Applied Physics, in the study. “We continue to make steady progress as humanity embarks on the age of folding.”