If Extra Dimensions Do Exist, They Must Be Really, Really Small

[Judi Lynn]

By Mara Johnson-Groh, Live Science Contributor | September 25, 2018 07:20am ET

Does our universe exist in more than just three dimensions?

Probably not on large scales, according to new research published July 23 in the Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics. The study found that across vast distances in space, the universe likely operates in just the dimensions we experience on Earth. The results are also helping scientists better understand the puzzling nature of dark energy, the mysterious phenomenon behind the accelerating expansion of the universe.

In October 2017, scientists used the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) to detect a gravitational wave produced in the collision of two neutron stars. Dubbed GW170817, the event was also seen with traditional telescopes, allowing the scientists to simultaneously study the occurrence via gravitational waves and light waves. The dual measurements are allowing scientists to learn all sorts of things about our universe, including how many dimensions it might hold. The new results also offer additional evidence for Albert Einstein's general relativity. [8 Ways You Can See Einstein's Theory of Relativity in Real Life]

"General relativity says gravity should be working in three dimensions, and [the results] show that that's what we see," said Kris Pardo, lead author on the study and a doctoral student at Princeton University.

More:
https://www.livescience.com/63666-gravitational-waves-reveal-no-extra-dimensions.html?utm_source=notification

[marylandblue]

1. If the extra dimensions are really small, how do they hold all the lost socks?

[FiveGoodMen]

2. I'll bet Sheldon is glad he switched to dark matter from string research

[TreasonousBastard]

3. Curiously, on the same page is a link to an article on the possibility of...

life in parallel universes. Not quite the same thing as higher dimensions, but every bit as fanciful.

There is a lot we don't know out there, and we are guessing while waiting for the next Einstein to figure it out.

[erronis]

4. Thanks for trying to inject some reality into these insane pages - even if alternate....

I can get my head around 4 plus maybe one or two more. 11 or 13 necessary for string theory (last I looked) seemed a bit difficult to mind-map.

I love science far more than politics and trivial pursuits. Even among my fairly learned friends and cohorts, discussing real things like mathematics/physics/chemistry/biology aren't great conversation starters.

[exboyfil]

5. The hypotheses outstrip the experimental methods available to us

This is to be expected. Think of the time between Newton and Einstein (1687 to 1905). We might not move the needle much for another 50 to 100 years.

[Doodley]

6. I believe there are more than three dimensions.

I am just about to put down new hardwood floors and I measured up and wrote down six different dimensions. So, there are at least six dimensions just in my living room.