One of the main obstacles to humanity reaching the stars is the limitation of speed in our Universe. Despite advancements in technology, the speed of movement is restricted to the speed of light in a vacuum, which is 300,000 kilometers per second. No object with mass can exceed this speed. However, theoretical possibilities exist, such as the concept of wormholes or Einstein-Rosen bridges, which involve folding space-time.
Another theoretical concept is the warp engine, also known as the Alcubierre drive, which could potentially create distortions in space-time to bypass the speed limit. This engine works by compressing space in front of the spacecraft and expanding it behind, reducing the travel distance.
An international group of scientists from the organization Applied Physics is theorizing about the possibilities of such an engine. They recently introduced a new concept called the warp engine of constant speed, changing the conversation about warp engines from science fiction to potential reality, according to physicist Jared Fix from Applied Physics.
In 1994, Mexican physicist Miguel Alcubierre proposed a warp engine concept that required a cloud with negative energy density, a scenario not achievable with known particles or dark energy responsible for the universe’s expansion. Now, scientists are exploring the use of gravity to distort space-time, suggesting that a super-powerful gravitational field could compress space-time while adhering to known physics.
The latest work from the analytical center focuses on a similar solution, proposing a warp engine theory that manipulates space-time to behave as if it were reacting gravitationally to regular matter.
Source: Concept