Subscribe now

Comment

The Allure of the Multiverse review: The science behind the sensation

From the ancient Counter-Earth to the modern many-worlds interpretation, physicist Paul Halpern's guide explores the rich science of multiverses. Makers of blockbusters, take note

By Bethan Ackerley

17 January 2024

Multiple exposure image of an illuminated Melbourne skyline, Australia.

Fittingly, science has many ways of thinking about multiverses

EschCollection/Getty Images

The Allure of the Multiverse
Paul Halpern
Basic Books (US, out now; UK, 8 February)

IN THE battle for the public imagination, the multiverse reigns supreme. Fuelled by the Marvel Cinematic Universe and other franchises, the idea that an infinite number of universes might exist alongside ours (and may even be contactable) has never been so popular. Why do we find this concept endlessly fascinating? And how promising is multiverse science?

Paul Halpern, a professor of physics at Saint Joseph’s University, Pennsylvania,…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox! We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

View introductory offers

No commitment, cancel anytime*

Offer ends 2nd of July 2024.

*Cancel anytime within 14 days of payment to receive a refund on unserved issues.

Inclusive of applicable taxes (VAT)

or

Existing subscribers

Sign in to your account

More from New Scientist

Explore the latest news, articles and features

Popular articles

Trending New Scientist articles

1

Rethinking space and time could let us do away with dark matter

2

Alzheimer’s may be caused by a build-up of fat in brain cells

3

Starship launch 3: What time is the SpaceX flight and what to expect?

4

Sleeping black hole is way more massive than it should be

5

Five climate megaprojects that might just save the world

6

There are growing fears of an alarming shift in Antarctic sea ice

7

The scientific secrets to baking a perfectly moist chocolate cake

8

Stick or twist: How to improve the outcomes of your big life decisions

9

US legislators vote to ban TikTok unless it severs ties with China

10

Why We Remember review: A surprising and expert guide to memory