New gravity theory may outdistance Einstein -- Part 4

by MIKE MARTIN, UPI Science Correspondent

GREENCASTLE, Indiana, (UPI) - Should conformal gravity become the accepted explanation of large-scale forces in deep space, it would affect science fiction writing according to DePauw University professor Arthur Evans, editor/publisher of Science-Fiction Studies, a scholarly international journal on science fiction.

"Writers of 'hard' science fiction -- whose main focus includes physics, astronomy, chemistry, or biology, very often incorporate new scientific discoveries or theories from these fields into their works," Evans told United Press International from Greencastle, Indiana. "Even Jules Verne, the founder of this particular kind of science fiction, did so. For example, his submarine 'Nautilus' was derived from working prototypes of 19th century scientists such as Robert Fulton," Evans said.

Verne, Evans explained, spent several hours each day reading a variety of scientific journals and jotting down ideas for use in his novels. "And I remember veteran science fiction writer Frederick Pohl once saying that he did the same thing," Evans told UPI. "Many of the innovative ideas in Greg Benford's science fiction novels are also a direct spin-off from his work as a practicing physicist."

Conformal gravity would lead to an accelerating universe at very far distances from the Earth according to University of Connecticut theorist Philip Mannheim, who developed the concept. If the Starship Enterprise ever did make it to the edge of the universe (it never left the Milky Way galaxy in the hit TV series) it would have to cope with the push, rather than the pull, of gravity. Space travel may or may not be easier at the edge of the universe, Mannheim explained, because gravity would still be an issue - but as a repulsive, rather than attractive force.

Should science fiction writers start incorporating conformal gravity into their work now? Not if they want to remain faithful to science according to Craig Hogan, director of the University of Washington astronomy department.

"The idea that conformal gravity exists, the universe accelerates, and we don't have dark matter is simply contrary to a great deal of the evidence," Hogan told UPI from Seattle. "I caution that astronomers and others who are not aware of the evidence provided by the cosmic microwave background might be too quick to jump on alternative theories that simply have no basis in experimental fact."

And a strong basis in science fact is part of the grand tradition of science fiction, according to Evans.

"Jules Verne often castigated his rival H.G. Wells for not using 'real' science in his fiction with these words: 'There is no rapport between his work and mine. I make use of physics. He invents.'"

Should conformal gravity rise from the level of fiction to fact, Evans is certain sci-fi fans will see it.

"It would not at all surprise me if, in the years to come, one or more contemporary 'hard' sci-fi writers began to use this notion of a new type of gravity in their fiction."