It sounds like science fiction, but spacecraft traveling at warp speed are possible, according to a first-rate scientist.
In a recent study, physicist Dr. Erik Lentz outlined a way in which a rocket could theoretically travel faster than light, or more than 186,000 miles per second.
At this speed, astronauts could reach other star systems in a few years, allowing humanity to colonize distant planets.
Current rocket technology would take approximately 6,300 years to reach Proxima Centauri, the closest star to our Sun.
So-called “warp units” have been proposed before, but are often based on theoretical systems that violate the laws of physics.
This is because according to Einstein’s general theory of relativity, it is physically impossible for anything to travel faster than the speed of light.
Dr. Lentz, a scientist at the University of Göttingen in Germany, says that his imaginary warp unit would work within the limits of physics.
Although other theories are based on “exotic” concepts, such as negative energy, he solves this problem through a new theoretical particle.
These hyper-fast “solitons” can travel at any speed while complying with the laws of physics, according to a press release from the University of Göttingen.
A soliton (also called a “warp bubble”) is a compact wave that acts as a particle maintaining its shape and moving at a constant speed.
Dr. Lentz said he prepared his theory after analyzing existing research and discovered gaps in previous studies on warp warp.
He believes solitons could travel faster than light and “create a conductive plasma and classical electromagnetic fields.”
Both concepts are understood under conventional physics and obey Einstein’s theory of relativity.
While its warp unit provides the tempting possibility for faster trips than light, it is still in the brainstorming phase.
The article would require a huge amount of energy that is not possible with modern technology.
“The energy savings would have to be drastic, about 30 orders of magnitude to fit within today’s modern nuclear fission reactors,” Dr. Lentz said.
“Fortunately, several energy-saving mechanisms have been proposed in previous research that can reduce the energy required by almost 60 orders of magnitude.”
The astrophysicist said he will now focus his efforts on preparing a viable version of the technology.
“This work has moved the problem of faster-than-light travel one step closer to theoretical research in fundamental physics and closer to engineering,” Dr. Lentz said.
“The next step is to find out how to reduce the astronomical amount of energy needed within current technologies, such as a large modern nuclear fission power plant. Then we can talk about building the first prototypes.
The research was published in the journal Classical and Quantum Gravity.