Are aliens hiding in parallel universes? Scientists offer bold new theory

Scientists have long pondered on one of the universe’s greatest mysteries: Are we alone?

They have searched the cosmos, but so far, there has been no sign of extraterrestrial life. Is it possible that aliens are lurking in parallel universes?

A new study explores this tantalizing idea.

The idea of aliens hiding in a parallel universe — though seemingly absurd — is presented as a way to bridge the gap between theoretical physics and the search for extraterrestrial life.

For this, a team led by Durham University astrophysicist Daniele Sorini explored the famous Drake equation. They have expanded the parameters of the Drake Equation by considering the possibility of parallel universes.

Existence of life on a hypothetical universe

In the 1960s, astronomer Frank Drake developed this mathematical equation to calculate the number of intelligent extraterrestrial civilizations that could exist in our home galaxy.

The equation considers factors like star formation rates, the number of habitable planets, and the probability that life on these planets would develop intelligence.

Sorini and the team have proposed a new twist on this Drake Equation.

“The chances of intelligent life emerging in our Universe – and in any hypothetical ones beyond it – can be estimated by a new theoretical model which has echoes of the famous Drake Equation,” the press release noted.

The concept of a parallel universe is hypothetical, explored in science fiction and theoretical physics, but so far has lacked concrete scientific evidence.

They propose reframing the equation by considering the possibility of “parallel universes,” which could be more hospitable to alien life.

The new model takes into account the conditions created by the rapid expansion of the universe.

This expansion is believed to be driven by a mysterious force called dark energy, which is thought to make up over two-thirds of the universe.

The model also adds the rate of star formation. Stars are responsible for creating the elements necessary for life as we know it.

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Role of dark energy

Dark energy, while causing the universe to expand, also interacts with gravity to allow for the formation of stars and planets.

The team proposes that certain universes would have a more ideal density of dark energy.

The approach determines the proportion of ordinary matter converted into stars across cosmic history, for different dark energy densities.

As per the model, another universe with a dark energy density enabling 27% of ordinary matter to be converted into stars would most likely allow for the emergence of alien life.

This is in contrast to our universe, where only 23% of ordinary matter is converted into stars. This suggests that our universe is less conducive to the development of life.

“The parameters that govern our Universe, including the density of dark energy, could explain our own existence,” Sorini said.

“Surprisingly, though, we found that even a significantly higher dark energy density would still be compatible with life, suggesting we may not live in the most likely of universes,” the author added.

While it’s a speculative concept, it provides an intriguing avenue for scientific exploration.

“It will be exciting to employ the model to explore the emergence of life across different universes and see whether some fundamental questions we ask ourselves about our own universe must be reinterpreted,” Lucas Lombriser, coauthor from the Université de Genève concluded in the press release.

The findings were published in the journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.