BLACK HOLES IN THE SOLAR SYSTEM AND THE FIFTH DIMENSION
Scientists have announced that in accordance with a new theory of the dimensions of the universe and its properties, there may be tiny black holes throughout our solar system. The scientists have also announced that there is a telescope to be launched in 2007 that will be sensitive enough to detect these tiny black holes. This telescope will be able to test the theory that the universe has five dimensions. It is called the Gamma-ray Large Space Telescope (GLAST).
The Randall-Sundrum braneworld model asserts that the visible universe is "a membrane embedded within a larger universe, like a strand of seaweed floating in the ocean." Unlike Einstein's Theory of General Relativity, which has three dimensions of space and one of time, the theory of the braneworld universe contains another dimension of space- a fifth dimension.
Also unlike general relativity is the braneworld prediction that there are many tiny black holes throughout the universe, including in our solar system, and that these are remnants of the Big Bang. The Theory of General Relativity predicts that these black holes would have evaporated long ago. These black holes are imagined to be extremely small-about the size of an atomic nucleus-but they would have masses comparable to a tiny asteroid.
Amazingly, the Braneworld theory is testable. The mini-black holes are different from other black holes, such as stellar-mass and supermassive black holes, because they would warp the fabric of space-time differently. This is due to their sharing properties with the fifth dimension. Gamma-rays of light should be distorted differently when they encounter a mini-black hole when compared with a conventional black hole. The Gamma-ray Large Space Telescope is predicted to be sensitive enough to detect the distortions.
All the information described here was gleaned from an article writtin by Kerr Than, a staff writer for the website of SPACE. I find it very exciting that such a theory is testable so soon. I can't wait to find out whether this theory is true. If it is true and scientists can prove that there is a fifth dimension, our concept of science and our own existence would be dramatically affected. Humans may have reached a shore no less discovered and unknown than the European discovery of America. We will have reached a new frontier.
Scientists have announced that in accordance with a new theory of the dimensions of the universe and its properties, there may be tiny black holes throughout our solar system. The scientists have also announced that there is a telescope to be launched in 2007 that will be sensitive enough to detect these tiny black holes. This telescope will be able to test the theory that the universe has five dimensions. It is called the Gamma-ray Large Space Telescope (GLAST).
The Randall-Sundrum braneworld model asserts that the visible universe is "a membrane embedded within a larger universe, like a strand of seaweed floating in the ocean." Unlike Einstein's Theory of General Relativity, which has three dimensions of space and one of time, the theory of the braneworld universe contains another dimension of space- a fifth dimension.
Also unlike general relativity is the braneworld prediction that there are many tiny black holes throughout the universe, including in our solar system, and that these are remnants of the Big Bang. The Theory of General Relativity predicts that these black holes would have evaporated long ago. These black holes are imagined to be extremely small-about the size of an atomic nucleus-but they would have masses comparable to a tiny asteroid.
Amazingly, the Braneworld theory is testable. The mini-black holes are different from other black holes, such as stellar-mass and supermassive black holes, because they would warp the fabric of space-time differently. This is due to their sharing properties with the fifth dimension. Gamma-rays of light should be distorted differently when they encounter a mini-black hole when compared with a conventional black hole. The Gamma-ray Large Space Telescope is predicted to be sensitive enough to detect the distortions.
All the information described here was gleaned from an article writtin by Kerr Than, a staff writer for the website of SPACE. I find it very exciting that such a theory is testable so soon. I can't wait to find out whether this theory is true. If it is true and scientists can prove that there is a fifth dimension, our concept of science and our own existence would be dramatically affected. Humans may have reached a shore no less discovered and unknown than the European discovery of America. We will have reached a new frontier.
posted by Caroline at 1:30 PM
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