Customer Reviews

Hyperspace: A Scientific Odyssey Through Parallel Universes, Time Warps, and the 10th Dimens ion

5 star:		(114)
4 star:		(32)
3 star:		(12)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(10)

 

 

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This book, as author Dr. Michio Kaku says, "is about a scientific revolution created by the theory of hyperspace, which states that dimensions exist beyond the commonly accepted four of space and time." As a result, Kaku explores the world of geometry and space-time--that is, he explores the invisible universe.

This book makes accessible to the general but intelligent reader the fascinating research on hyperspace theory.

Scientifically, the hyperspace theory goes by other names such as Kaluza-Klein theory and supergravity. But in its most advanced form, it's called superstring theory. This theory predicts the precise number of dimensions: ten.

This book, which has a main narrative of about 330 pages, is divided into four parts:

Part one (four chapters) develops the early history of hyperspace (which began in the mid-1800s), emphasizing the theme that the laws of nature become simpler when expressed in higher dimensions. For example, in space-time, the laws of gravity and electromagnetic radiation (such as light) each obey a different physics and a different mathematics. However, if a fifth dimension is added to the space-time continuum, then the equations "governing light and gravity appear to merge together like two pieces of a jigsaw puzzle."

The main conclusion of this part is that space-time is inadequate or "too small" to describe the forces that shape our universe. When expressed in higher dimensions, however, there is "enough room" to explain these forces.

The second part (five chapters) elaborates on part one's conclusion emphasizing that the hyperspace theory may be able to unify the four fundamental physical forces of nature (as well as their collection of subatomic particles) into one major theory (the so-called "Theory of Everything"), a unification that Einstein was unable to achieve.

Hyperspace theory suggests the possibility that everything we see around us (such as trees, mountains, and stars) is nothing but vibrations. "If this is true, then this gives us an elegant, simple, and geometric means of providing a coherent and compelling description of the entire universe."

Part three (three chapters) explores the possibility that, under extreme circumstances, space may be stretched until it rips and tears. From this, we get the concept of "wormholes" or tunnels that link distant parts of space and time. Thus, time travel via time machines that exploit these tunnels may be possible.

Cosmologists have proposed the possibility that our universe is only one among an infinite number of parallel universes. By analyzing Einstein's equations, they have shown that there might exist a web of wormholes that connect these universes.

Although theoretical, hyperspace travel may eventually provide the most practical application of all: to save intelligent life, including ours, from the death of the universe by collapse. In the last seconds of our universe's death, intelligent life may escape this collapse by going into hyperspace.

The last part (three chapters) concludes with a final, practical question: If hyperspace theory is proven to be correct, then when will we be able to harness its power? Answer: when our civilization develops the technical capability that enables us to harness the immense energy required for manipulating space-time or hope for contact with an advanced technical civilization that has already mastered hyperspace. (Included in this book is a good discussion on extraterrestrial civilizations.)

In the meantime, we can calculate the precise energy needed to create a "time-warp" (where space and time are twisted into a "pretzel") or to create wormholes that link distant parts of our universe. This book ends by speculating on the level of technology that's needed for us to perform these feats, a technology that will make us "masters of hyperspace."

This is a history book, a storybook (that contains both true and hypothetical stories), a physics book, a mathematics book, and a book of scientific speculation. All physics and mathematics is explained by analogy and with good diagrams. This book as a whole is enjoyable to read but I found it necessary to slow down sometimes to grasp some major concepts.

The only prerequisite needed to read this book, in my opinion, is the ability to visualize and to have an appreciation for the power of physics and mathematics.

Finally, I recognize that some theories presented in this book have advanced since its 1994 publication but I feel that this book is an excellent starting point to become familiar with key concepts that are needed to understand more advanced topics.

In conclusion, Kaku's final words in the book are as follows: "Some people seek meaning in life through personal gain, through personal relationships, or through personal experiences. However, it seems to me that being blessed with the intellect to [understand] the ultimate secrets of nature gives meaning in life." This book exposes some of those "secrets of nature" and makes them understandable. Thus I urge you to go beyond space-time and experience the hyperspace odyssey.

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This is book definitely written for the layperson, but the author does no condescension when explaining complex details to the reader. No deep mathematics, no proofs, just a good book for the average person to enjoy and understand. The best book on the market for understanding the complications of the limitations of the space-time continuum of the world we live in.
Don't confuse "hyperspace" with "hypercube". "Hypercube" is a study in mathematics regarding four dimensions without time, while this book discusses as much in detail about "hyperspace", a study of dimensions up to ten. The book is actually on the higher study of physics, not mathematics, but of course, mathematics is a part of the book, if only on a limited basis.
Very interesting on the string theory, where dimensions of 10 and/or 26 are required. Also, all the competing theories are discussed, including the fact that Einstein himself was uncomfortable with studies beyond the fourth dimension. This is all discussed, very aptly, with a view to have the reader himself put on the physicist's shoes, so to speak, and comprehend creating some of theses theories, along with the rest of the academia bunch.
Diagrams and pictures are included to help the reader visualize some of this, even if it is in a limited way. Very helpful.
Einstein claimed that imagination was more than 90 percent of true scientific inquiry. I wouldn't agree with him entirely, especially in fields such as biology, but for physics study and a good review of the all the theories concerning higher dimensions, I would agree more with Einstein than not. I would even recommend this book to one comtemplating a future serious study in physics or math. I wouldn't be without it.

If you are thinking about reading this book then PLEASE consider reading Brian Greene's "The Elegant Universe" instead. It does a much better job on string theory and it is more current with the latest scoop on the second superstring revolution.

The second half of Hyperspace is light on content. There is a lot of filler. After reading it, I thought that it was because there was not much else in the way of superstring theory advances. Hyperspace is truly outdated because of its '94 print date. The second superstring revolution began in 1995 which means you are missing out on a number of recent advances. Greene's book gives you the full history of string theory plus the most recent work which was much more fufilling.

Michio Kaku's writing style is easily digested by even those with very little knowledge of physics (aka, me). I devoured this book. Every page turned made it harder to stop reading, the journey Kaku takes the reader on throughout this book is simply mindblowing.

From my point of view in a nature, it is do all (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and so on) dimensions of space. The main characteristic for these spaces is so-called - the fundamental length. In our human space all is three-dimensional.

As for the (so-called) fourth dimensions, it is chosen, by necessity and for to explain, and to specify geometry of our space, and to connect a natural sequence of events: only step by step!

It is pity, that today a travels back to the moment of opening of America we are not ready!

However, it is obvious, that the reduction of fundamental length results in increasing of dimensions of space, and on the contrary ...

The author offers for you an interesting reasoning on this theme. Having read the given book each man will do reflect the important problems of an environmental matter and the forms of Existence Universe.

It is the successful enough and useful book practically for any man, irrespective of his (her) educational level and main age.

In Russia speak: for love - all age are obedient.

It is possible safely to tell you: love this book; this is source of knowledge about the universe.

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The history of physics is largely the story of a particularly disturbing trend. We keep adding dimensions! Newton started with three and we were in awe, but we understood. Einstein added a fourth and we were thunderstruck. We had to fight to overcome our intuition, but with determination we still understood. Then Kaluza and Klein added a fifth dimension and we scratched our heads. Intuition was less helpful and we started to lose the thread of understanding. Superstring theorists seem to have alighted on a final figure (I hope) of ten. This is way beyond the capacity of our brains to understand. So what do we do now?

If you're the kind of person who lies awake at night wondering how it all works, this is a frustrating trend. You are never going to learn the advanced math, so you must search for books to help you understand. Some are better than others. This book is among the better ones, for a few reasons.

First, Kaku is quick to point out that physicists who understand this stuff, understand the MATH, but are no better then we are at visualizing how the math is reflected in reality. I have come across a few writers in the genre who make this clear, and I always find it to be a relief. There is not some great truth that you are unable to grasp. The human brain is just not capable of perceiving hyper-dimensions. Don't worry.

Second, this book focuses more on a colloquial explanation of the math than merely on its implications for reality. For me, this is an important link in understanding hyper-dimensional physics. Think of it this way. Phase I is "Do the math". Phase II is "Explain the math". Phase III is "Explain what the math implies in the way reality is structured." Phase I is opaque to most of us, so writers of these kinds of books rightly discard it. However, most writers jump right into Phase III. I don't know about you, but when someone asks me to visualize a hypercube unfolding in four-dimensional space, my eyes start to water. Kaku is the first writer I have encountered that first seeks to explain how the mathematics developed and why they imply multi-dimensional space. Only then does he begin to explain the nature of a tesseract (a three-dimensional representation of a four-dimensional cube). I won't tell you I was suddenly able to visualize hyperspace, but I did have that "a-ha" experience of understanding why the concept matters to us.

Finally, Kaku puts the mind-bending nature of modern physics in an important historical context, one that helps explain WHY it is so counter-intuitive. For years, experimental physics led the way. Theory developed through the explanation of actual observed phenomena. (For example, Einstein stumbled on special relativity by seeking to explain the photo-electric effect.) But Kaku points out that this trend has now reversed for two reasons. First, we stumbled on string theory much earlier than expected. It is a theory well ahead of it's time. Second, the amount of energy that must be generated to verify the theory experimentally is well beyond our technology. Therefore, we are entering an age when theory will have to lead experimentation by the nose, thus challenging a human intuition that does not yet have the experience to fit it all into the big jigsaw puzzle. Buckle up. It's going to be a bumpy ride.

If you need to build the context to understand physics, this book is an excellent choice.

This book was a good introduction to a topic I was curious about and many other general topics as well. Higher dimensions, matter-energy and space-time, relativity, black holes, wormholes, and time travel are all covered. This book was written to be understood by the layman but some of the explanations could have been more technical. This is still a great start for someone interested in these topics.

This is an amazing book. Kaku, a physicist at Princeton, has written one of the best surveys of what modern scientists and mathematicians are struggling with - namely resolving the paradox of reconciling quantum mechanics with Einstein's theory of gravity to come to the Theory of Everything, which would explain our universe from its beginning to its eventual end. Kaku writes that in mathematics and theory, it is simpler and more elegant to come at such a theory when dealing with higher dimensions, and thereby introduces ideas such as superstring theory, which works strangely enough, in only 10 and 26 dimensions. Although Kaku deals with the fascinating ideas of parallel worlds, time travel and etc., he examines and approaches these ideas not with a feverish enthusiasm of a sci-fi hack, but with a sober scientific analysis; he quickly puts down many of these sci-fi ideas on scientific grounds while proposing a tantalizing possibility of existence of others.

It's not these ideas themselves but Kaku's presentation of them that deserves merit. These ideas have been written about before by other writer/scientists, but never have all the ideas been so convincingly unified and energetically explained for all people. I have no background in science, and found this book fascinating to read for its ideas and passion. There are humorous biographical and autobiographical anecdotes. Many of the concepts are illustrated (albeit a bit poorly), and Kaku does an excellent job of giving us examples for visualization of a concept that he wants to get across.

This is an excellent book that serves as an important introduction to one of the central inquiries of modern physics - finding a unified theory to explain the nature of the universe itself.

Michio Kako has a gift when it comes to explaining the unexplainable in layman's terms. He sort of beats you over the head with it sometimes, but I think it's necessary to understand the deep concepts here. It's fun to explain to someone who has not read the book that light is a "ripple in the 5th dimension." That's some really deep stuff! His book called "Visions" is also good, although it is a little bit out of date already. It's about the evolution of technology over the next fifty years.

This book was thoroughly enjoyable--I love Kaku's style of writing--he has a way of presenting complex ideas so that the non-scientist can comprehend and appreciate them without feeling "talked down to". I've been into Quantum Mechanics and Cosomology for a while now, and this book is a welcome addition to my library. Kaku manages to cover a wide variety of related material --I had to write down a list of all the items that piqued my interest, so that I could research them later: Reimann's Metric Tensor, symmetry breaking, CP violation, Edward Witten, Ramanujan theorems, Veneziano-Suzuki theory, the Yang-Mills field--so many subjects that it took hours of searching through the WWW--but it was ALL fascinating, and I have Michio Kaku to thank for it! I am no math whiz, so my research into these subjects has a limit (at least for the moment), but he presents the math gently and his style is not intimidating at all-- you can tell he very much wants to share this wondrous knowledge so everyone can taste the pleasure of understanding--HIGHLY recommended!