Visualizing Multiple Dimensions. How is it done?

I've always been fascinated by physics and its been my desire for a long time to understand some of the more complex concepts. What I really have a problem with is when physicists talk about multiple dimensions. Some string theorists predict 13 dimensions, with the possibility of some dimensions closed and so small that they may be right next to us so to speak.

It has been said that Einstein used simple mental images of clocks, trains, and such to simplify complex ideas.

Does such a method exist for visualizing multiple dimensions? Or is the key to understanding buried in complex math?

Hi there,

Most people actually could say that they have a problem visualizing something that is beyond our perception and out of bounds of our direct experience.

Below are a couple of examples of Calabi-Yau space, the multiple dimensional space predicted by M-Theory. The still images don't give an impression of the real space as they are 2-d representations.



Animated Representation of Calabi-Yau space grid



Personally, I would point you to my Quantum loop gravity thread as m-thory is actually a numb version of the truth.

Finally an answer to EVERYTHING - Quantum Field Gravity - BRAIDS

Anyway, the animation may be a little large for ATS so if it is you can find it here

Animated Calabi-Yau space grid

Anyway,

Hope that helps,

All the best,

NeoN HaZe.


[edit on 27-10-2006 by Neon Haze]

Even though this isn't really based on any sort of actual scientific theory (and it's not claimed to be), the below site demonstrates a cool way of visualising up to ten dimensions:

www.tenthdimension.com... (Flash required)

Just click on the "Imagining the Ten Dimensions" link on the left hand side. You never know though, in reality it might just be something like this

Originally posted by NightBlade40
Just click on the "Imagining the Ten Dimensions" link on the left hand side. You never know though, in reality it might just be something like this

not at all. I have read this book and it is attempting to dumb down and already dumbed down theory.

The animation of a spiral of numbers has absolutely no bearing on reality.

How the author got to the spiral idea from an element of quantum gravity. To say that the most fundamental shape in the universe is the helix. Which is an expression of only part of the truth.

The nature of the universe is within twisted braids of space on a brain. The braid may be considered to be in helix form I suppose but the spiral is nothing but a scratch on the surface of the truth.

Check out my links to ‘finally an answer to everything’ post

All the best,

NeoN HaZe.


[edit on 28-10-2006 by Neon Haze]

Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a persistent one. ~Albert Einstein

A problem with trying to visualize or imagine those extra dimensions is we have yet to really understand the concept of time and time isn't really a spatial dimension.

Here's another way: NOVA- Imagining Other Dimensions

Happy head spinning and as Descartes might say, "There may be only one dimension and that is the mind."




[edit on 28-10-2006 by Regenmacher]

Thanks Night Blade 40.
The animation of the ten dimensions was very interesting, especially the way it made the comparison to a "flat-landers perspective of a 3 dimensional entity. It really is a challenge to force ones mind to consider and contemplate a concept that seems so contradictory to the way the world appears from our perspective.

So according to this animation 10 dimensions sems to be the limit. This has been very helpful.

Thanks Neon Haze.
I must admit that when I first heard of the idea of Branes, several years ago, I was fascinated by them. I remember reading one article that described the branes colliding into each other and this could result in a "Big Bang" in one of the brane universes. The article also described them as recoiling after the initial contact and seperating only to one day collide again, thereby starting the whole process over again. I was always wondered what force would case the branes to recoil or seperate.

Once seperated there seems to be no interaction between branes except perhaps the force of gravity. Each brane could be said to exist on a seperate dimension. Since all of these dimensions must exist within an even greater dimension boggles my imagination.

The Calabi Yau Space Grid animation was impressive. This is the first time I have heard of it. Guess I better do some more homework. I am reading the thread you referred me to. Very interesting.
Thanks

[edit on 28-10-2006 by Sparky63]

When it comes to understanding other dimensions... we aren't equipped to visualize it. Our visual perception only works in 3 dimensions.

The best understanding one can have of another dimension would be through conceptual thought, or through simply looking at the math itself.

As my signature always says...

Originally posted by johnsky
When it comes to understanding other dimensions... we aren't equipped to visualize it. Our visual perception only works in 3 dimensions.

The best understanding one can have of another dimension would be through conceptual thought, or through simply looking at the math itself.

As my signature always says...

I think you are right johnsky. I have come to the conclusion that there is no substitute for learning the math.
I recognize that the books written by Hawking for example were wrtitten for the "unwashed masses", so to speak. The complex math obviously left out so that the reader can become familiar with abstract concepts without having to understand the "nuts & bolts".
Time to blow the dust off my physics books.

Originally posted by Neon Haze

Finally an answer to EVERYTHING - Quantum Field Gravity - BRAIDS

Anyway, the animation may be a little large for ATS so if it is you can find it here


Hope that helps,

All the best,

NeoN HaZe.


[edit on 27-10-2006 by Neon Haze]

I read the enire thread and although I don't understand the math., it does make sense that the fundamental particle of matter must be interchangeable with the fundamental nature of energy. Ever since I learned that the atom is not a miniature
"solar system" as I was taught in high school, I felt that is was necessary to question what seems to the casual observer to be obvious. Nothing is as it seems. I do not believe we will ever be able to manipulate braids (even if they turn out to be real)
In fact I shudder at the prospect of an attempt to do so, not knowing the consequenses.

[edit on 30-10-2006 by Sparky63]

[edit on 30-10-2006 by Sparky63]

Alright I've been trying to come up with a way to visualize multiple dimensions.
I'm going to start with 4 dimensions. 3 spatial dimensions time and a 4th dim.

For the purpose of this exercise, I imagine a fish in a stream. In the case of our fish its universe or realm of experience is confined to the water. The flow of the stream is so strong that it cannot travel backwards but must always move forward with the stream. We are the fish.The stream represents the physical universe we are familiar with. The flow represents time always moving forward.

On the bank of the stream stands a man. From his perspective he can move backwards and forward in relation to the stream. His existence is unknown to the fish because their total realm of experience is confined to the water. For the sake of argument their eyes are not designed to see anything beyond the surface of the water.
The fish cannot choose to interact with the man on the bank because they cannot see beyond their universe, they do not have the tools to leave their watery realm.
In this scenario the man would occupy a fourth dimension.

He can choose to interact with them. He can cause their stream to act in ways that they cannot explain, or understand. the man can add matter to their universe or take it away as he see fit.

The man could act in godlike ways as far as the fish are concerned.
I know this is a rough comparison and probably falls short of an adequate comparison. But I am trying to visualize things in simple pictures like Einstein did.

I know what your thinking, "I knew Albert Einstein, He was friend of mine, Your no Albert Einstein."

This may sound very simplistic to you physics majors or professors. What can I do to alter this illustration to get a better understanding of multiple dimensions? I have an open mind.

Technically, there are only three dimentions of space. Yes there are other dimentions, but we can only visually precieve three of them: Length, width, and depth.

The other dimentions are non-visual, for example the forth dimention is TIME. We're aware of time and we have ways to record it, however you can't physically see it.

The only other one you might be able to see is the 5th Dimention (but you need concert tickets to see them! )

Tim

[edit on 7-11-2006 by Ghost01]

Originally posted by Ghost01
for example the forth dimention is TIME.

It is my understanding that some physicists consider time to be the 4 the dim, while others do not. I guess it all depends on the application.

Einstein however did consider time to be the 4th dimension, and who am I to question Einstein?

Thanks for clarifying this Ghost01. I will make that correction to my illustration.

So 3 spacial dimensions, One time Dimension, The 5th dimension would be represented by the man on the bank of my imaginary stream.

Originally posted by Sparky63
The 5th dimension would be represented by the man on the bank of my imaginary stream.

I was joking about the 5th Dimention. There an old music group by that name. They was know for hits like Stone Soul Picnic, and Age of Aquarious.

Just having fun with you. I don't know if there is really such a thing as a 5th Dimention.

Tim

Originally posted by Sparky63
The 5th dimension would be represented by the man on the bank of my imaginary stream.

I was joking about the 5th Dimention. There an old music group by that name. They was know for hits like Stone Soul Picnic, and Age of Aquarious.

Just having fun with you. I don't know if there is really such a thing as a 5th Dimention.

Tim

Yeah I got that! that was a good one. I was a child of the 60's, but growing up out in the rurals of corn country limited my musical experience to HeeHaw and the Grand ol'e Opry.

I did have a hippy aunt that would get stoned and paint slogans on her body like the girls on Laugh In though.

I have often ponder the thought of other demensions. I have surrendered to the idea of thought itself governs those rules of engagement. And the power of an individuals ability to manifest their thought.

Here is a thread that touches this idea.


www.abovetopsecret.com...'

AAC

Originally posted by AnAbsoluteCreation
I have often ponder the thought of other demensions. I have surrendered to the idea of thought itself governs those rules of engagement. And the power of an individuals ability to manifest their thought.

The more I try to comprehend another dimension the more I find myself relating it to the spiritual realm, or heavenly realm. Perhaps this is just a consequence of my upbringing.
If Physicists are willing to consider the possibility of another dimension near us yet hidden. They should also be willing to accept the possibility that there are intelligent beings that inhabit these dimensions. If there are intelligent beings that exist in these dimesnions, perhaps they have devised the tools to interact with our own.

For us though, I think the answer to other dimensions lies in the math, and experimentation. Its one thing to conceive of a brilliant theory, but it is another thing to prove it is true. I hope that the answer is found in my lifetime.

Originally posted by Sparky63
The more I try to comprehend another dimension the more I find myself relating it to the spiritual realm, or heavenly realm.

Yeah Sparky,thats what happens when i contemplate it as well.

Cant remember the name of the documentary i watched on Quantum Physic`s but it was a head spin in trying to get a handle on it (well for me anyway) even though they illustrated the theories of up to 9/10? dimensions.

The pictures Neon Haze posted are really cool and was the same if not very similar to the animations they used to illustrate these other dimensions

As with the anomalies that occur with black holes which is easier for me to get my head around Quantum physics is fascinating,so i`m off to check out all the links people have provided.

Originally posted by Sparky63
The more I try to comprehend another dimension the more I find myself relating it to the spiritual realm, or heavenly realm. Perhaps this is just a consequence of my upbringing.

Hmm,

I never thought of the spirit world as being "another dimention". It's certinally a very facinating perspective. The thing about this is we're now getting into spirituallity and beliefs.

I hope I'm not making anyone uncomfortable by taking this in a new direction! However, how do you explain that some people can touch the spirit world and others can't? I have interacted with spirits, in my famliy we learn how to do that as children (It's a part of our Religious/Spiritual Beliefs)!

Tim