It sounds like science fiction, but spacecraft traveling at warp speed are possible, according to a top scientist.
In a recent study, physicist Dr. Erik Lentz pointed out a way in which a rocket could theoretically travel faster than light – or over 186,000 miles per second.
At this speed, astronauts could reach other stellar systems in just a few years, allowing humanity to colonize distant planets.
Current rocket technology would take about 6,300 years to reach Proxima Centauri, the closest star to our Sun.
The 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 something to travel faster than the speed of light.
Dr. Lentz, a scientist at the University of Göttingen in Germany, says his imaginary warp impulse would work within the limits of physics.
While other theories are based on “exotic” concepts, such as negative energy, he solves this problem using a new theoretical particle.
According to a press release from the University of Göttingen, these hyper-fast “solitons” can travel at any speed, respecting the laws of physics.
A soliton – also called a “warp bubble” – is a compact wave that acts as a particle while maintaining its shape and moving at a constant speed.
Dr. Lentz said he cooked up his theory after analyzing existing research and finding gaps in previous warp management studies.
He believes that solitons could travel faster than light and “create a conductive plasma and classical electromagnetic fields.”
Both concepts are understood in conventional physics and respect Einstein’s theory of relativity.
While its warp unit offers the tempting ability to travel faster than light, it is still very much in the idea phase for now.
The car would require an enormous amount of energy that is not possible using modern technology.
“Energy savings should be drastic, about 30 orders of magnitude to be in the range of modern fission nuclear reactors,” said Dr. Lentz.
“Fortunately, several energy-saving mechanisms have been proposed in previous research that can reduce energy requirements by almost 60 orders of magnitude.”
The astrophysicist said he would now focus his efforts on preparing a viable version of the technology.
“This paper has moved the issue of faster-than-light travel one step closer to theoretical research in fundamental physics and closer to engineering,” said Dr. Lentz.
“The next step is to figure out how to reduce the astronomical amount of energy needed in today’s range of technologies, such as a large modern nuclear fission plant. Then we can talk about building the first prototypes. ”
The research was published in the journal Classical and Quantum Gravity.