What lies beyond the edges of the observable universe?

Is it possible that our universe is just one of

many in a much larger multiverse?

Movies can’t get enough of exploring these questions. From Oscar winners like Everything
Everywhere All at Once to superhero blockbusters like Dr. Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,
science fiction stories are full of creative interactions between alternate realities. And depending
on which cosmologist you ask, the concept of a multiverse is more than pure fantasy or a handy
storytelling device.
A parallel universe, also known as a parallel reality or alternate universe, is a hypothetical concept
that suggests the existence of multiple universes similar to our own. These parallel universes would
coexist alongside our own universe, each with its own set of physical laws, dimensions, and
possibly even different versions of ourselves.

The idea of parallel universes is often explored in science fiction and theoretical physics. One
popular concept is the "Many-Worlds Interpretation" in quantum mechanics, which suggests that
every possible outcome of an event actually occurs in a separate universe.
Parallel universes are no longer just a feature of a good sci-fi story. There are now some scientific
theories that support the idea of parallel universes beyond our own. However, the multiverse
theory remains one of the most controversial theories in science.
In this parallel universe, known as "Elysium," the laws of physics are similar to our own, but with a few
intriguing differences. The environment is lush and vibrant, with towering trees that glow with
bioluminescent hues. The sky is a mesmerizing blend of colors, swirling with vibrant shades of purple, pink,
and teal.

Elysium is a world where technology has advanced far beyond our imagination. Flying vehicles zip through
the air effortlessly, propelled by clean and sustainable energy sources. The architecture is a blend of futuristic
designs and organic elements, seamlessly integrating with the natural surroundings.

One notable aspect of Elysium is the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature. People have developed a
deep respect and understanding of the environment, resulting in sustainable practices and a thriving
ecosystem. The cities are built in perfect harmony with nature, with buildings adorned with living walls and
rooftop gardens. The air is clean, and the waterways are crystal clear, teeming with diverse marine life.
In this parallel universe, advanced forms of communication and transportation have made the world a global
village. People can instantly connect with each other through neural interfaces, exchanging ideas and
experiences effortlessly. Traveling between distant locations is made possible by sophisticated teleportation
technology, allowing individuals to explore the wonders of Elysium easily.
“Our understanding of reality is not complete, by far,” says Stanford University physicist Andrei Linde. “Reality
exists independently of us.”
If they exist, those universes are separated from ours, unreachable and undetectable by any direct
measurement (at least so far). And that makes some experts question whether the search for a multiverse can
ever be truly scientific.
Will scientists ever know whether our universe is the only one? We break down the different theories about a
possible multiverse—including other universes with their own laws of physics—and whether many versions of
you could exist out there.