Wormholes, the tunnels connecting two places through an extra dimension of space, have long been a topic of interest for scientists and science fiction enthusiasts alike. However, until recently, the concept of wormholes remained purely theoretical. That has changed with a recent breakthrough by a team of physicists from the California Institute of Technology and Harvard University. Using Google’s quantum computer Sycamore, the team created a wormhole that emerged from quantum bits of information, or “qubits,” stored in tiny superconducting circuits. By manipulating the qubits, the physicists were able to send information through the wormhole. This experiment represents an exciting development in our understanding of the relationship between quantum mechanics and general relativity.
Physicists Create a Holographic Wormhole
The holographic principle, a hypothesis about this relationship, posits that the physical universe can be described as a holographic projection of information stored on its two-dimensional boundary. The creation of the wormhole in this experiment provides evidence for this principle, as the wormhole is made of a different kind of space-time than the space-time of our universe. While it is still debatable whether this experiment confirms that our universe is also holographic and patterned by quantum bits, the results are a major step forward in our understanding of the relationship between quantum mechanics and general relativity.
NASA use Starship to transport Orion
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is keeping a close eye on the developments in this area, as it has implications for the future of space exploration. According to a report from the NASA Office of Inspector General (OIG), both the use of the Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion, as well as commercial options such as SpaceX’s starship, are under consideration for future lunar missions. The report highlights the need for NASA to continue monitoring the commercial development of heavy-lift space flight systems and to consider whether they make financial and strategic sense as part of the agency’s overall plan. One concept proposed by the authors of the OIG report is the journey starship (JSS). This would involve launching a starship that could be refilled, allowing the crew to board via Dragon and perform the lunar mission from the JSS. The return journey would involve a stripped-down Dragon being stowed in the JSS. The success of this concept will depend on the continued development of commercial heavy-lift space flight systems and the willingness of NASA to embrace new technology and approaches. While the creation of wormholes and the future of space exploration are exciting developments, it is important to remember that NASA is also working on more down-to-earth problems.
How Physics can improve the urinal
For example, a team of researchers has developed a new design for urinals that is inspired by the curves in nautilus shells. The design consists of a tall, narrow urinal with a curving inner surface that directs the flow of urine to hit the porcelain at a shallow angle, known as the critical angle. This stops the splashing that is commonly associated with conventional urinals. The design was tested using dyed fluids in conventional urinals and prototypes of the new design, with experiments showing significant splashing in the conventional urinals but no splashing in the prototypes. The researchers believe that the new design will prevent messes from splashing onto the floor and a person’s legs and feet. The success of the new urinal design in real-world tests will be determined by observing the cleanliness of the floor. In conclusion, NASA is at the forefront of scientific research and exploration, working on both exciting new frontiers like the creation of wormholes and practical problems like urinal design. With its continued focus on advancing Earth observations, exploring bodies in the Solar System, studying astrophysics, and developing human space exploration capabilities, NASA is poised to make even more exciting discoveries in the coming years.
Summary
NASA’s research efforts and their continuous pursuit of knowledge and exploration are not limited to only far-fetched scientific concepts such as the creation of wormholes. NASA is also focused on practical, everyday problems, such as urinal design, where physics and fluid dynamics play a crucial role. The development of a new urinal design that prevents splashing by directing the flow of urine at a critical angle is a perfect example of this. The potential benefits of this new design, such as a cleaner bathroom floor, are significant and may lead to improved hygiene and comfort in public restrooms. NASA’s broad range of research interests and its willingness to embrace new technologies and approaches demonstrate the agency’s commitment to improving the world we live in. As NASA continues its focus on advancing Earth observations, exploring bodies in the Solar System, studying astrophysics, and developing human space exploration capabilities, we can expect many more exciting discoveries and advancements in the future.