Science Matters

Calabi-Yau Manifold

Is this the topography of the universe on the smallest scales? According to string theory it may be. The six-dimensional calabi-yau manifold constrains the vibrating strings of energy to give rise to the force and matter particles that we know.

These strange but beautiful shapes emerge from the science of string theory. String theory provides a bridge between the incompatible physics of the macro universe, which is shaped by the force of gravity, and the micro universe, which is shaped by the laws of quantum mechanics.

According to general relativity, the fabric of space and time has a smoothly curving geometrical feature, while on a sub-Plank scale quantum fluctuations are so violent that general relativity breaks down.

The violent fluctuations of quantum mechanics are “softened” by the extra dimensions of string theory.

A New Era of Discovery

Critically acclaimed science writer Ann Finkbeiner tells the inside story of the Sloan and how it is revolutionizing astronomy. The Sloan stitched together images of deep space taken over the course of five years, providing a remarkably detailed, three-dimensional map of a vast territory of the universe, all digitized and downloadable for easy searching on a personal computer, and available not only to professional astronomers but to the public as well.

Ann Finkbeiner brings the excitement and the extraordinary potential of this new era of astronomy vividly to life and allows all readers to understand how they, too, can become part of the discovery process. A Grand and Bold Thing is vital reading for all.