We all know Einstein’s theory of relativity. For the past 100 years, scientists have supported it, claiming that nothing travels faster than light. However, NASA scientists are starting to consider other options, as they doubt that Einstein is still 100% correct today. The warp technology mentioned in Star Trek is beginning to be a real possibility considered by scientists. Based on Miguel Alcubierre’s warp drive theory, NASA scientists led by Harold White are investigating this option based on the White-Juday Warp Field interferometer. Although Alcubierre’s theory did not have resounding success, researchers like Joseph Agnew have used his quantum physics calculations to advance other research.
The goal of White and his team is to find microscopic bubbles of deformation, through which the creation of a warp drive could become a reality. The idea of space propulsion was first shielded in the science fiction movies of Star Trek, where the invention of this type of engine was proposed for 2063. NASA is trying to advance in research and development by incorporating engineers and young theorists, who are attempting to adapt Einstein’s theories to modern possibilities.
Einstein’s Theory of Relativity
A hundred years ago, Einstein promulgated one of his many theories, but this is the one for which he became known worldwide, besides being an essential and key piece in the world of mathematics, science, and physics. This section encompasses various theories about how space and time are described, how they are related, and how they behave in the presence of gravity.
He divided it into two blocks, spatial relativity and general relativity. In the case of astrophysics, research has focused on the idea of spatial relativity, in which Einstein asserted that nothing goes faster than the speed of light, and that this speed is constant for the observer. The current doubt is whether Einstein was 100% correct in his assertions or if his theories can be adapted to the current situation.
Warp Drive Theory
In 1994, the Mexican physicist Miguel Alcubierre brought the idea of the warp drive theory to the table. According to Alcubierre, the space-time bubble compresses the fabric of the universe in front of a spaceship and expands it behind. This creates the illusion that the ship is moving much faster, but the truth is that the light within the bubble is what is actually moving faster. However, for this model to hold, it had to take into account negative mass. Although Alcubierre was not 100% accurate with his claims, young researchers like Joseph Agnew took advantage of the mathematics of the theory.
What does NASA say?
If Einstein was not right, who is? A team of researchers from NASA led by Dr. Harold White, known as Sonny, argues that the warp drive could go from being an idea to becoming a reality. The team is using the White-Juday Warp Field interferometer, which allows the detection of microscopic bubbles of distortion. With this, they aim to promote these space-time distortions on a small scale, which are essential to making the warp drive a reality.
From Star Trek to reality
The idea of the warp drive was explored for the first time in the science fiction movie Star Trek. In it, the design of this engine by humans was predicted to take place in 2063. It is not known what the actual date will be, but scientists are working to make it a reality. For its development, NASA has relied on the vision of engineers and young theorists, whose insights are necessary to achieve the goal. The aim of this project is not to disprove Einstein’s theories. On the contrary, it seeks to adjust the foundation of his theories to adapt them to modern development possibilities.