Scientists have delved into time travel with a recent groundbreaking study exploring the possibility of traversing time using a highly theoretical object known as a “ring wormhole.” These ring wormholes, initially theorized as portals to other universes, are proposed to hold the potential to become time machines. Unlike “traditional” wormholes formed by black holes’ immense gravity, ring wormholes are peculiar entities generated by circles of mass with negative energy, made possible through the enigmatic effects of the quantum realm.

The study, published in the journal Physical Review D by a team of theoretical physicists led by Andrei Zelnikov, calculates that ring wormholes could generate “closed timelike curves” under specific conditions. This phenomenon occurs when one “mouth” of the ring wormhole is near a massive object, while the other “mouth” is far from significant mass. These conditions enable the formation of closed timelike curves, effectively transforming the ring wormhole into a viable time machine.

Professor Toby Wiseman from the Imperial College London, who was not part of the study, explained that the existence of a time machine is a natural consequence of the ring wormhole’s properties. While the concept may seem far-fetched, the researchers’ calculations and theoretical framework suggest that the possibility of time travel, at least at the quantum level, could be within the realm of understanding.

Despite the mind-bending implications, scientists remain dedicated to unraveling the laws governing time and space. As they push the boundaries of theoretical physics, they seek to better comprehend the universe’s underlying principles and explore the potential for making seemingly impossible phenomena, such as time travel, a reality. The quest for knowledge continues as they strive to unlock the mysteries of the cosmos and the secrets of time itself.

References

• Appel, J. (2023, July 17). Scientists Have Determined How to Travel Back in Time With a Ring Wormhole. Popular Mechanics. https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/a44568315/scientists-calculate-how-to-time-travel-ring-wormhole/
• Frolov, V. P., Krtouš, P., & Zelnikov, A. (2023). Ring wormholes and time machines. Physical Review D, 108(2), 024034. https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.108.024034