The multiverse is the hypothetical set of multiple possible universes that together comprise everything that exists and can exist: the entirety of space, time, matter, and energy as well as the physical laws and constants that describe them. The various universes within the multiverse are sometimes called parallel universes. The structure of the multiverse, the nature of each universe within it and the relationship between the various constituent universes, depend on the specific multiverse hypothesis considered. Multiverses have been hypothesized in cosmology, physics, astronomy, religion, philosophy, transpersonal psychology and fiction, particularly in science fiction and fantasy. In these contexts, parallel universes are also called alternative universes, quantum universes, interpenetrating dimensions, parallel dimensions, parallel worlds, alternative realities, alternative timelines, dimensional planes, among others.
 
 
 

staceythinx:

Michael Paukner’s The Bigger Picture Album on Flickr is a fascinating tour of some of history’s biggest ideas as visualized through Paukner’s informative and elegant poster designs. The ideas represented span the range from conventional thought to controversial theories both old and new. All of the images are accompanied by a brief description and history of the theories represented.