We all heard of the particle accelerator at the CERN laboratory in Switzerland. It is critical to our exploration and understanding of our universe. Do all sub-atomic particles interconnect via a single field? Can CERN tell us? For now, the concept of all particles set universally into a single field is theoretical.
On this fascinating field theory, a day will come when science will expand beyond mathematical proof. It will provide a quantum-based proof via experimentation. When that glorious day happens, CERN is sure to be there. The consequences of such a breakthrough will radically alter the very nature of our existence. It will also change our view of the world, and how we see the universe.
CERN is Science, Science Fiction is Imagination
The enormity of what science does has earned a keen following of curious minds, including my own. It has even inspired science fiction as a literary genre. Anti-science rhetoric in these times obscures the fact that without science, our civilization would disintegrate and fall.
Thinking about particle physics today, I wonder about the unified field theory. What if the four forces of strong force, weak force, electromagnetic, and gravity are separate universal fields in a unified framework? What does it mean? Can we delineate time and space as mattered beings, in order to bend them as we travel?
From Terror to Valor: Echoes and Shadows, available at your favorite digital bookstoreÂ
These questions extend to a concept explored extensively in science fiction. Faster than light travel, has found fame in the Star Trek science fiction series and associated movies. Star Wars also explored it using a lighter touch, as it is more character centric. I have seen both productions as a child. To this day, I am awestruck at the creative vision imbued into these epic tales.
Faster Than Light Travel Is Fast
So far, physics has played some part in fictional world creation, but it does not define them. If it did, it would not be fiction after all. One overlap I find intriguing is the intergalactic travel of starships from point ‘a’ to point ‘b’, and some real world aspects of particle physics. That brings me to Heisenberg.
Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle tells us that the more we know about the location of a sub-atomic object, the less we can know about its speed. In the quantum world, if Hans Solo and the Millenium Falcon (starship) can be a matter based projection in one galaxy, enough energy could instantly place them in another. It’s all connected via a single field.
Imagine it–creating a sub atomic rendition of the Millenium Falcon, and transferring primarily ‘strong force’ as the craft and crew to an entangled second subatomic (quantum) point, via a wormhole or some other construct. In my forthcoming web novel, Hindsight Station–our protagonist and scientist, James Fong, shares our passion for Science and Technology.
A Magical Partnership
Hindsight Station starts as a dystopic tale of post-apocalyptic survival. In 2335, absolute tyranny dominates the sciences for conquest, not exploration and development. As scientists refuse to bend a second time, the fight is on for a better future. They learn from our mistakes and never sacrifice understanding for political convenience or self-serving greed.
Think about today in our real world, think about CERN, and the progress being made. Who is to say that in over two hundred years, a similar story does not play out? When science and science fiction partner-up, we can look into tomorrow’s world, today.
Theoretical physics tells us that in the tiny world of quantum space, a vast universe of secrets exists. Inspiration from science fiction is key to our will to explore and to succeed as a people. When we finally unlock its secrets, we will realize we exist in a world made whole by resonance from a place we cannot see. How cool is that, eh? I, for one, am intrigued. How about you?
About the Author
As I move onto my next authoring project, I will post less frequently on the real-world issues linked to my novel, From Terror to Valor: Echoes and Shadows. My next project, Hindsight Station, will be a progression science-fiction webnovel, delivered via Patreon and eventually Royal Road.
John is a versatile author known for his gripping fiction narratives in the thriller, action, and suspense genres. With a background as a journalist since 2016, and expertise in cloud technologies as an engineer; John brings a unique blend of storytelling prowess and technical acumen to his work.
