Topic: Stars Could Shine In Many Universes

[sam]

A commonplace of cosmologists who argue the anthropic principle is the assumption that if any or a few of the constants of nature took on an even slightly different value, life could not have evolved — perhaps even stars and galaxies would not form. Science News reports on a new calculation showing that, to the contrary, star formation could happen in up to one-quarter of universes with different values of three important constants. "In fact, all universes can support the existence of stars, provided that the definition of star is interpreted broadly," said the researcher, Fred Adams. "...calculations suggest that, contrary to some previous claims, stars are not only common in our cosmos but are also ablaze in myriad other universes, where the laws of physics may be drastically different... Had Adams found that the range of parameters that allowed for stars was very small, that would have suggested that the laws of physics in our universe have been 'fine-tuned' to allow for star formation... Instead, Adams' study shows that our universe doesn't seem particularly special in that regard."

http://www.sciencenews.org/view/generic/id/35363/title/Stars_ablaze_in_other_skies

[Clive]

I have to say that I absolutely love the Multiverse theory.  Wasn't it Hamlet who said  "There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy."

[GillE]

It was indeed, Clive.  And how appropriate that Patrick Stewart and David Tennant should be getting rave reviews for their current performance of Hamlet at the RSC!

[Clive]

What a well spotted connection!   

[sam]

... I can't wait to see them, I'm going in September... but what to wear - the star trek uniform or the dalek costume?

[Clive]

Dalek costume is best Sam.  Lizzie could be in there with you and nobody would know!   

[sam]

oh yeah....