🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 162 (from laksa192)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa162.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical, ml_categories_json AS ml_categories_json, ml_types_json AS ml_types_json, ml_intent_types_json AS ml_intent_types_json, meta_language AS meta_language, attrs_author AS attrs_author, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(attrs_publish_time), 0) AS attrs_publish_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(attrs_original_publish_time), 0) AS attrs_original_publish_time, ifNull(attrs_is_republished, 0) AS attrs_is_republished, ifNull(attrs_nr_words, 0) AS attrs_nr_words, ifNull(attrs_boilerpipe_nr_words, 0) AS attrs_boilerpipe_nr_words, ifNull(body_ext_links_number, 0) AS body_ext_links_number, ifNull(body_int_links_number, 0) AS body_int_links_number, ifNull(meta_nofollow, 0) AS meta_nofollow, ifNull(meta_noarchive, 0) AS meta_noarchive, ifNull(props_was_rendered, 0) AS props_was_rendered, ifNull(src_redirect, \'\') AS src_redirect, ifNull(download_time_msec, 0) AS download_time_msec, ifNull(download_ttfb_msec, 0) AS download_ttfb_msec, ifNull(download_size, 0) AS download_size FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.popularmechanics.com/space/deep-space/a70683280/quantum-universe-spacetime/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.popularmechanics.com/space/deep-space/a70683280/quantum-universe-spacetime/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/space\/deep-space\/a70683280\/quantum-universe-spacetime\/","crawl_time":1777147107,"first_indexed_time":1773341002,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,popularmechanics!www,\/space\/deep-space\/a70683280\/quantum-universe-spacetime\/ s443","src_root_hash":"11125021743305196162","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Our Reality Emerged from a Primordial Quantum Multiverse.","meta_descriptions":["One scientist theorizes that before the early universe expanded, it consisted of a “pre-inflationary multiverse” made of particles in quantum superposition."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Here’s what you’ll learn when you read this story:\nWhile scientists are steadily gathering data about both the inflationary and dark energy eras of the universe, we really only know one thing about the pre-inflationary era—our universe arose from it.\nAccording to a new hypothesis, during the pre-inflationary era many possible spacetimes existed in superposition before a measurement-like event selected our known universe from the primordial “Schrödinger’s cat box.”\nObserving hypothetical phenomena could support the idea that our universe is one of many possible spacetimes, but the pre-inflationary era will likely remain one of cosmology’s greatest mysteries.\nOver the centuries, as direct observations of the universe have grown exponentially in number and precision, our knowledge has expanded to the point that we can ask increasingly difficult and fundamental questions. In 1610, Galileo Galilei discovered the first moons beyond our own planetary system using a rudimentary telescope. Some three hundred years later, Edwin Hubble discovered the first galaxy beyond our own (using a much\nless\nrudimentary telescope). Today, the James Webb Space Telescope can see direct evidence of the early universe (just 200 to 400 million years after the\nBig Bang\n), sensitive instruments like\nLIGO\nare revealing unprecedented data about black holes and gravitational waves, and the\nCosmic Microwave Background\n(CMB) is providing scientists with immensely useful information on the Big Bang itself.\nIn other words, we’ve come a long way in our collective attempt to understand the nature of our universe. But one of the biggest, most enigmatic mysteries of early cosmology remains unsolved: What came before everything we think of as ‘the universe’ today? A new study in the journal\nUniverse\n, authored by physicist Konstantin Zloshchastiev at the Durban University of Technology, puts forward a mind-bending hypothesis that our universe is actually the product of a break in the linear superposition of a quantum\nmultiverse\nthat existed during what is also known as the “pre-inflationary” period—the extremely brief time preceding the universe's rapid inflation. While no telescope could ever hope to glimpse evidence of this period, Zloshchastiev claims that at least one piece of evidence does exist from this crucial moment in cosmic history—the universe itself.\n“The time preceding these [dark energy and inflation] epochs, the pre-inflationary era, largely remains a mystery, both empirically and theoretically,” Zloshchastiev wrote. “However, one large and easily observable natural\nphenomenon\nexists, which is directly related to the pre-inflationary period. This is our Universe itself, with its diverse yet quite orderly and mathematically predictable structure, allowing us to exist and rationalize our reality by assigning laws to the surrounding world.”\nBefore the inflationary period of our known universe—that is, the rapid expansion of the universe mere moments after the Big Bang—matter as we know it didn’t exist. Instead, everything in existence was made up of indistinguishable particles in a quantum superposition. In a sense, all possibilities—and, in effect, all possible space-times—both existed\nand\ndidn’t exist in what Zloshchastiev calls the “proverbial\nSchrödinger’s cat\nbox.” Then at some critical moment this linear superposition broke, reducing all possible universes into a single state—our universe.\nZloshchastiev describes the collapse of quantum superposition in the primordial universe as a measurement-like Shannon information transfer (named after\nClaude Shannon\n, the founder of information theory). He postulates that ‘which-possibility’ information leaked out of a primordial quantum superposition into an external record-like environment, making one outcome effectively real. According to Zloshchastiev, this Shannon information transfer eventually led to the creation of a logarithmic quantum liquid, which in turn gave rise to the physical\nvacuum\nof our universe. That vacuum, he explains, isn’t\ntruly\nempty, but is actually a low-energy quantum field—a sort of ground-state for all other quantum fields. Finally, Zloshchastiev notes that this hypothesis could also explain the universe’s transition from the after-inflationary period to the dark-energy era that now dominates the known universe, providing a stable thread linking the pre-inflationary universe to today.\nThis might all sound very tidy, but any hypothesis is only as good as its ability to be proven or disproven. Zloshchastiev claims that astronomers could attempt to test this hypothesis by searching for hypothetical vacuum\nCherenkov radiation\n(when particles move faster than the speed of light in a vacuum), which could lead to the generation of energy in blazars, quasars, and fast radio bursts.\nBut for now, the pre-inflationary universe is a cosmic mystery that’s almost impossible to solve—without more\ndata\n, at least. But, as history has shown, humans have an uncanny knack for finding that data and learning more and more about both the universe and our place in it.\nThe Newest AirPods\nApple Airpods 4\nNow 23% Off\nBest Flashlight\nBudget Power Bank\nBaseus 10000mAh Fast Charging Power Bank\nNow 13% Off\nBest Slim Wallet\nBest Pocket Knife\nBest Stud Finder\nBOSCH Wall Scanner and Stud Finder\nNow 35% Off\nBest Compact Power Bank\nAnker Nano 45W Power Bank\nNow 17% Off\nBest Budget Bluetooth Speaker\nBest Value Shop Vac\nSTANLEY Wet\/Dry Shop Vacuum\nNow 16% Off\nDarren lives in Portland, has a cat, and writes\/edits about sci-fi and how our world works. You can find his previous stuff at Gizmodo and Paste if you look hard enough. ","attrs_markdown":"[![Search](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/search.f1c199c.svg)Search](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/search\/)\n\n![Close](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/close.38e3324.svg?primary=%2523595959)\n***\n- [Newsletter](https:\/\/popularmechanics.com\/email\/popularmechanics-newsletter)\n- [Pop Mech Pro](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/about\/a40180523\/pop-mech-pro-membership-news-benefits\/)\n- [Subscribe](https:\/\/shop.popularmechanics.com\/popular-mechanics-all-access-3499.html?cds_tracking_code=poppanelnav)\n- [Home and DIY](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/home\/)\n- [Power Tools](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/home\/tools\/)\n- [Cars](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/cars\/)\n- [Technology](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/technology\/)\n- 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in](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/auth\/csrf?action=login&return_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popularmechanics.com%2Fspace%2Fdeep-space%2Fa70683280%2Fquantum-universe-spacetime%2F)\n\n[Subscribe](https:\/\/shop.popularmechanics.com\/popular-mechanics-all-access-3499.html?cds_tracking_code=poptopnav)\n\n- [Science](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/science\/)\n- [Home & DIY](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/home\/)\n- [Technology](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/technology\/)\n- [Gear Reviews](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/product-reviews\/)\n- [Military](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/military\/)\n- [Transportation](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/transportation\/)\n- [Culture & Curiosities](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/culture\/)\n- [About](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/about\/a45\/about-us\/)\n- [More](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/space\/deep-space\/a70683280\/quantum-universe-spacetime\/)\n\n1. [Space](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/space\/)\n2. [Deep Space](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/space\/deep-space\/)\n3. [A Scientist Thinks Our Reality Emerged from a Primordial Quantum Multiverse. He’s Not Crazy.](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/space\/deep-space\/a70683280\/quantum-universe-spacetime\/)\n# A Scientist Thinks Our Reality Emerged from a Primordial Quantum Multiverse. He’s Not Crazy.\nAccording to a new theory, our universe emerged from a “pre-inflationary multiverse” made of particles in quantum superposition.\n\nBy [Darren Orf](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/author\/2793\/darren-orf\/ \"Darren Orf\")\n\nPublished: Mar 12, 2026 2:00 PM EDT\n\n![bookmarks](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/saved.ad81f1a.svg?primary=%2523000000)\n\n![Open share options](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/social\/sharing.89c15b8.svg)\n\n![bookmarks](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/fre\/static\/icons\/headphones-regular.117021e.svg?primary=%2523000000)Listen (6 min)6 min\n\n![outer space fantasy](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/f07cdf23-55b0-4a3f-b284-e56be282b0c6.jpeg?crop=0.696xw:1.00xh;0.128xw,0&resize=640:*)\n\nPobytov\/\/Getty Images\n\nGear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. [Why Trust Us?](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/about\/a29149305\/popular-mechanics-gear-reviews\/)\n\nHere’s what you’ll learn when you read this story:\n\n- While scientists are steadily gathering data about both the inflationary and dark energy eras of the universe, we really only know one thing about the pre-inflationary era—our universe arose from it.\n- According to a new hypothesis, during the pre-inflationary era many possible spacetimes existed in superposition before a measurement-like event selected our known universe from the primordial “Schrödinger’s cat box.”\n- Observing hypothetical phenomena could support the idea that our universe is one of many possible spacetimes, but the pre-inflationary era will likely remain one of cosmology’s greatest mysteries.\n***\nOver the centuries, as direct observations of the universe have grown exponentially in number and precision, our knowledge has expanded to the point that we can ask increasingly difficult and fundamental questions. In 1610, Galileo Galilei discovered the first moons beyond our own planetary system using a rudimentary telescope. Some three hundred years later, Edwin Hubble discovered the first galaxy beyond our own (using a much *less* rudimentary telescope). Today, the James Webb Space Telescope can see direct evidence of the early universe (just 200 to 400 million years after the [Big Bang](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/space\/deep-space\/a69207055\/object-rewrite-the-history-of-the-universe\/)), sensitive instruments like [LIGO](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/space\/deep-space\/a30444347\/ligo-neutron-stars\/) are revealing unprecedented data about black holes and gravitational waves, and the [Cosmic Microwave Background](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/space\/deep-space\/a13987275\/wmap-cosmic-microwave-background-breakthrough-initiatives\/) (CMB) is providing scientists with immensely useful information on the Big Bang itself.\n\n## Related Story\n- [![](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/an-encounter-with-a-huge-alien-appearing-out-of-the-royalty-free-image-1738355900.pjpeg?crop=1.00xw:0.752xh;0,0.133xh&resize=300:*)Aliens From a Parallel Universe May Be Around Us](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/science\/a70226846\/aliens-from-parallel-universe\/)\n\nIn other words, we’ve come a long way in our collective attempt to understand the nature of our universe. But one of the biggest, most enigmatic mysteries of early cosmology remains unsolved: What came before everything we think of as ‘the universe’ today? A new study in the journal [*Universe*](https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/2218-1997\/12\/2\/33#Inflationary_and_Dark_Energy_Epochs), authored by physicist Konstantin Zloshchastiev at the Durban University of Technology, puts forward a mind-bending hypothesis that our universe is actually the product of a break in the linear superposition of a quantum [multiverse](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/science\/a41601684\/neil-degrasse-tyson-multiverse\/) that existed during what is also known as the “pre-inflationary” period—the extremely brief time preceding the universe's rapid inflation. While no telescope could ever hope to glimpse evidence of this period, Zloshchastiev claims that at least one piece of evidence does exist from this crucial moment in cosmic history—the universe itself.\n\n“The time preceding these \\[dark energy and inflation\\] epochs, the pre-inflationary era, largely remains a mystery, both empirically and theoretically,” Zloshchastiev wrote. “However, one large and easily observable natural [phenomenon](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/science\/a65840834\/van-gogh-quantum-starry-night\/) exists, which is directly related to the pre-inflationary period. This is our Universe itself, with its diverse yet quite orderly and mathematically predictable structure, allowing us to exist and rationalize our reality by assigning laws to the surrounding world.”\n\nBefore the inflationary period of our known universe—that is, the rapid expansion of the universe mere moments after the Big Bang—matter as we know it didn’t exist. Instead, everything in existence was made up of indistinguishable particles in a quantum superposition. In a sense, all possibilities—and, in effect, all possible space-times—both existed *and* didn’t exist in what Zloshchastiev calls the “proverbial [Schrödinger’s cat](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/science\/a70239233\/humongous-schroedingers-cat\/) box.” Then at some critical moment this linear superposition broke, reducing all possible universes into a single state—our universe.\n\n## Related Story\n- [![](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/time-dilation-conceptual-illustration-royalty-free-illustration-1771517512.pjpeg?crop=0.997xw:0.704xh;0,0.206xh&resize=300:*)Could the Universe Be Made of Just One Electron?](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/science\/a70418342\/one-electron-universe-feynman-wheeler\/)\n\nZloshchastiev describes the collapse of quantum superposition in the primordial universe as a measurement-like Shannon information transfer (named after [Claude Shannon](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Claude_Shannon), the founder of information theory). He postulates that ‘which-possibility’ information leaked out of a primordial quantum superposition into an external record-like environment, making one outcome effectively real. According to Zloshchastiev, this Shannon information transfer eventually led to the creation of a logarithmic quantum liquid, which in turn gave rise to the physical [vacuum](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/space\/a44617126\/how-you-would-die-in-the-vacuum-of-space\/) of our universe. That vacuum, he explains, isn’t *truly* empty, but is actually a low-energy quantum field—a sort of ground-state for all other quantum fields. Finally, Zloshchastiev notes that this hypothesis could also explain the universe’s transition from the after-inflationary period to the dark-energy era that now dominates the known universe, providing a stable thread linking the pre-inflationary universe to today.\n\nThis might all sound very tidy, but any hypothesis is only as good as its ability to be proven or disproven. Zloshchastiev claims that astronomers could attempt to test this hypothesis by searching for hypothetical vacuum [Cherenkov radiation](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/science\/green-tech\/a44928927\/cherenkov-radiation-fusion-reaction\/) (when particles move faster than the speed of light in a vacuum), which could lead to the generation of energy in blazars, quasars, and fast radio bursts.\n\nBut for now, the pre-inflationary universe is a cosmic mystery that’s almost impossible to solve—without more [data](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/science\/a70487360\/scientists-found-a-way-to-store-all-of-our-data-on-pieces-of-glass-forever-almost\/), at least. 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You can find his previous stuff at Gizmodo and Paste if you look hard enough.\n\nWatch Next\n\nAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below\n\n## [Deep Space](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/space\/deep-space\/)\n[![Abstract High Speed Wormhole Illuminated from Inside](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/a85c7038-4cc3-4ea6-84fb-633c9036de54.jpeg?crop=0.555555555556xw:1xh;center,top&resize=360:*)Can Extra Dimensions Fix the Black Hole Paradox?](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/space\/deep-space\/a71089897\/black-hole-seven-dimensions\/)\n\n[![White Abstract background.Tunnel Futuristic digital background for business Science and technology](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/5ead1717-0f80-4f8e-bc93-ec9137cad3db.jpeg?crop=0.562461538462xw:1xh;center,top&resize=360:*)Black Holes Are Defying Their Own Rules of Physics](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/space\/deep-space\/a71018151\/black-hole-rule-breaking\/)\n\n[![Circle of lines](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/c7a8cec6-9e55-4766-902c-72ae08008b34.jpeg?crop=0.666666666667xw:1xh;center,top&resize=360:*)Why the Hubble Tension Remains So Puzzling](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/space\/deep-space\/a71007601\/hubble-constant-measured\/)\n\n[![quantum gravity](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/quantum-gravity-royalty-free-image-1770325141.pjpeg?crop=0.561xw:1.00xh;0.0793xw,0&resize=360:*)The Universe Got Its Shape From This Elusive Particle’s Gravity.](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/space\/deep-space\/a70847569\/neutrino-gravity-universe\/)\n\nAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below\n\n[![alien, illustration](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/alien-illustration-royalty-free-illustration-1714076146.jpg?crop=0.66635xw:1xh;center,top&resize=360:*)Why Life on Other Planets Might Be Purple](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/space\/deep-space\/a70802383\/purple-alien-life-study\/)\n\n[![radio telescope and milky way background](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/00d9131a-2f66-49b3-9638-d050b146a2ea.jpeg?crop=0.662xw:1.00xh;0.170xw,0&resize=360:*)Wow! Scientists May Have Cracked a Space Mystery.](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/space\/deep-space\/a70792729\/wow-signal-mystery-breakthrough\/)\n\n[![globe on tip of finger](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/globe-on-tip-of-finger-royalty-free-image-1772045468.pjpeg?crop=1.00xw:0.747xh;0,0.0143xh&resize=360:*)Earth’s Gravity Glitched—The Cause Was Underground](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/space\/deep-space\/a70499454\/earth-gravity-glitch-reason\/)\n\n[![particle flow](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/particle-flow-royalty-free-image-1768489263.pjpeg?crop=0.684xw:1.00xh;0.176xw,0&resize=360:*)Two of the Most Elusive Particles Might Interact](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/space\/deep-space\/a69991789\/ghost-particles-interact\/)\n\n[![binary stars in globular cluster, illustration](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/binary-stars-in-globular-cluster-royalty-free-illustration-1691613250.jpg?crop=0.813xw:1.00xh;0.0946xw,0&resize=360:*)Weird Gravity Around Binary Stars Flouts Einstein](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/space\/deep-space\/a69998560\/research-contradicts-newton-einstein-theory-of-gravity\/)\n\n[![astronomical image featuring a bright central star and multiple distant galaxies](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/stsci-01k7q4g9nw9tw4f0s95st16e5m-696027a0765fb.jpg?crop=0.615xw:1.00xh;0.174xw,0&resize=360:*)Scientists Are Fascinated By This Abject Failure](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/space\/deep-space\/a69939264\/cloud-9-dark-matter-cloud\/)\n\n[![black hole, artwork](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/black-hole-artwork-royalty-free-illustration-1767715823.pjpeg?crop=0.668xw:1.00xh;0.125xw,0&resize=360:*)Scientists Are Plotting a Journey Into a Black Hole](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/space\/deep-space\/a69611633\/black-hole-nanocraft-mission\/)\n\n[![portal gate.](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/hmg-prod\/images\/portal-gate-royalty-free-image-1767636015.pjpeg?crop=0.668xw:1.00xh;0.143xw,0&resize=360:*)Are We Living in a ‘Hall of Mirrors’ Universe?](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/space\/deep-space\/a69918267\/hall-of-mirrors-universe-science\/)\n\nAdvertisement - 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A Part of Hearst Digital Media](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/_assets\/design-tokens\/popularmechanics\/static\/images\/logos\/network-logo.910b3ba.svg?primary=%2523ffffff)\n\nA Part of Hearst Digital Media\n\nWe may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back.\n\n©2026 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.\n\n[Privacy Notice](https:\/\/www.hearst.com\/-\/us-magazines-privacy-notice)[CA Notice at Collection](https:\/\/www.hearst.com\/-\/us-magazines-privacy-notice#_ADDITIONAL_INFO)[Your CA Privacy Rights\/Shine the Light](https:\/\/www.hearst.com\/-\/us-magazines-privacy-notice#_ADDITIONAL_INFO)[DAA Industry Opt Out](https:\/\/www.hearst.com\/-\/us-magazines-privacy-notice#_OPT_OUTS)[Terms of Use](https:\/\/www.hearst.com\/-\/us-magazines-terms-of-use)[Site Map](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/sitemap\/)\n\n[Cookies Choices](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/space\/deep-space\/a70683280\/quantum-universe-spacetime\/ \"Cookies Choices\")","attrs_readable_markdown":"Here’s what you’ll learn when you read this story:\n\n- While scientists are steadily gathering data about both the inflationary and dark energy eras of the universe, we really only know one thing about the pre-inflationary era—our universe arose from it.\n- According to a new hypothesis, during the pre-inflationary era many possible spacetimes existed in superposition before a measurement-like event selected our known universe from the primordial “Schrödinger’s cat box.”\n- Observing hypothetical phenomena could support the idea that our universe is one of many possible spacetimes, but the pre-inflationary era will likely remain one of cosmology’s greatest mysteries.\n***\nOver the centuries, as direct observations of the universe have grown exponentially in number and precision, our knowledge has expanded to the point that we can ask increasingly difficult and fundamental questions. In 1610, Galileo Galilei discovered the first moons beyond our own planetary system using a rudimentary telescope. Some three hundred years later, Edwin Hubble discovered the first galaxy beyond our own (using a much *less* rudimentary telescope). Today, the James Webb Space Telescope can see direct evidence of the early universe (just 200 to 400 million years after the [Big Bang](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/space\/deep-space\/a69207055\/object-rewrite-the-history-of-the-universe\/)), sensitive instruments like [LIGO](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/space\/deep-space\/a30444347\/ligo-neutron-stars\/) are revealing unprecedented data about black holes and gravitational waves, and the [Cosmic Microwave Background](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/space\/deep-space\/a13987275\/wmap-cosmic-microwave-background-breakthrough-initiatives\/) (CMB) is providing scientists with immensely useful information on the Big Bang itself.\n\nIn other words, we’ve come a long way in our collective attempt to understand the nature of our universe. But one of the biggest, most enigmatic mysteries of early cosmology remains unsolved: What came before everything we think of as ‘the universe’ today? A new study in the journal [*Universe*](https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/2218-1997\/12\/2\/33#Inflationary_and_Dark_Energy_Epochs), authored by physicist Konstantin Zloshchastiev at the Durban University of Technology, puts forward a mind-bending hypothesis that our universe is actually the product of a break in the linear superposition of a quantum [multiverse](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/science\/a41601684\/neil-degrasse-tyson-multiverse\/) that existed during what is also known as the “pre-inflationary” period—the extremely brief time preceding the universe's rapid inflation. While no telescope could ever hope to glimpse evidence of this period, Zloshchastiev claims that at least one piece of evidence does exist from this crucial moment in cosmic history—the universe itself.\n\n“The time preceding these \\[dark energy and inflation\\] epochs, the pre-inflationary era, largely remains a mystery, both empirically and theoretically,” Zloshchastiev wrote. “However, one large and easily observable natural [phenomenon](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/science\/a65840834\/van-gogh-quantum-starry-night\/) exists, which is directly related to the pre-inflationary period. This is our Universe itself, with its diverse yet quite orderly and mathematically predictable structure, allowing us to exist and rationalize our reality by assigning laws to the surrounding world.”\n\nBefore the inflationary period of our known universe—that is, the rapid expansion of the universe mere moments after the Big Bang—matter as we know it didn’t exist. Instead, everything in existence was made up of indistinguishable particles in a quantum superposition. In a sense, all possibilities—and, in effect, all possible space-times—both existed *and* didn’t exist in what Zloshchastiev calls the “proverbial [Schrödinger’s cat](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/science\/a70239233\/humongous-schroedingers-cat\/) box.” Then at some critical moment this linear superposition broke, reducing all possible universes into a single state—our universe.\n\nZloshchastiev describes the collapse of quantum superposition in the primordial universe as a measurement-like Shannon information transfer (named after [Claude Shannon](https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Claude_Shannon), the founder of information theory). He postulates that ‘which-possibility’ information leaked out of a primordial quantum superposition into an external record-like environment, making one outcome effectively real. According to Zloshchastiev, this Shannon information transfer eventually led to the creation of a logarithmic quantum liquid, which in turn gave rise to the physical [vacuum](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/space\/a44617126\/how-you-would-die-in-the-vacuum-of-space\/) of our universe. That vacuum, he explains, isn’t *truly* empty, but is actually a low-energy quantum field—a sort of ground-state for all other quantum fields. Finally, Zloshchastiev notes that this hypothesis could also explain the universe’s transition from the after-inflationary period to the dark-energy era that now dominates the known universe, providing a stable thread linking the pre-inflationary universe to today.\n\nThis might all sound very tidy, but any hypothesis is only as good as its ability to be proven or disproven. Zloshchastiev claims that astronomers could attempt to test this hypothesis by searching for hypothetical vacuum [Cherenkov radiation](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/science\/green-tech\/a44928927\/cherenkov-radiation-fusion-reaction\/) (when particles move faster than the speed of light in a vacuum), which could lead to the generation of energy in blazars, quasars, and fast radio bursts.\n\nBut for now, the pre-inflationary universe is a cosmic mystery that’s almost impossible to solve—without more [data](https:\/\/www.popularmechanics.com\/science\/a70487360\/scientists-found-a-way-to-store-all-of-our-data-on-pieces-of-glass-forever-almost\/), at least. But, as history has shown, humans have an uncanny knack for finding that data and learning more and more about both the universe and our place in it.\n\nThe Newest AirPods\n\n[![Airpods 4](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com\/1726594062-61iBtxCUabL.jpg?crop=1xw:1.00xh;center,top&resize=980:*)](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0DGHMNQ5Z?tag=popularmechanics_auto-append-20)\n\n###### Apple Airpods 4\nNow 23% Off\n\nBest Flashlight\n\n[![ML50L LED Flashlight](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com\/1772053580-1764881376-maglite-ml50l-led-flashlight-6931f3cf4bbdc.jpg?crop=1xw:1.00xh;center,top&resize=980:*)](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B00XWPDS40?tag=popularmechanics_auto-append-20)\n\nBudget Power Bank\n\n[![10000mAh Fast Charging Power Bank](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com\/1766004212-1765988253-baseus-battery-pack-6942d75cf36d5.jpg?crop=1xw:1.00xh;center,top&resize=980:*)](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0DFYPVPRT?tag=popularmechanics_auto-append-20)\n\n###### Baseus 10000mAh Fast Charging Power Bank\nNow 13% Off\n\nBest Slim Wallet\n\n[![RFID Blocking Slim Wallet](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com\/1762376803-1640186011-slim-bifold-wallet-1640186001.jpg?crop=1xw:1.00xh;center,top&resize=980:*)](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B07PJWZ49Q?tag=popularmechanics_auto-append-20)\n\nBest Pocket Knife\n\n[![Iridium Pocket Knife](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com\/1755011934-1742934209-kershaw-iridium-67e310b4c3752.jpg?crop=1xw:1.00xh;center,top&resize=980:*)](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0BTB213Q6?tag=popularmechanics_auto-append-20)\n\nBest Stud Finder\n\n[![Wall Scanner and Stud Finder](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com\/1770655291-1742930424-bosch-gms120-27-stud-finder-002-67e301e3e05c4.jpg?crop=0.667xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0DBWSSPT2?tag=popularmechanics_auto-append-20)\n\n###### BOSCH Wall Scanner and Stud Finder\nNow 35% Off\n\nBest Compact Power Bank\n\n[![Nano 45W Power Bank](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com\/1772053855-1762171984-anker-nano-10k-retractable-cable-69089c2c1b9d9.jpg?crop=1xw:1.00xh;center,top&resize=980:*)](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0DGKWTQQC?tag=popularmechanics_auto-append-20)\n\n###### Anker Nano 45W Power Bank\nNow 17% Off\n\nBest Budget Bluetooth Speaker\n\n[![Motion 300 Wireless Portable Speaker](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com\/1772054120-1751294505-soundcore-motion-300-portable-speaker-001-6862a219aea22.jpg?crop=0.750xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0CDJWTWMB?tag=popularmechanics_auto-append-20)\n\nBest Value Shop Vac\n\n[![Wet\/Dry Shop Vacuum](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com\/1772054190-1743188892-stanley-sl18116p-wet-dry-vacuum-003-67e6f368985a8.jpg?crop=0.750xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)](https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B00IS94BWS?tag=popularmechanics_auto-append-20)\n\n###### STANLEY Wet\/Dry Shop Vacuum\nNow 16% Off\n\n![Headshot of Darren Orf](https:\/\/hips.hearstapps.com\/rover\/profile_photos\/e9b7a87b-359a-4fff-859b-ab9cf5e31c5b_1565789938.file?fill=1:1&resize=120:*)\n\nDarren lives in Portland, has a cat, and writes\/edits about sci-fi and how our world works. You can find his previous stuff at Gizmodo and Paste if you look hard enough.","meta_canonical":null,"ml_categories_json":"{\"\/Science\":993,\"\/Science\/Astronomy\":847}","ml_types_json":"{\"\/Article\":998,\"\/Article\/News_Update\":643}","ml_intent_types_json":"{\"Informational\":999}","meta_language":"en-us","attrs_author":"Darren Orf","attrs_publish_time":1773338400,"attrs_original_publish_time":1773338400,"attrs_is_republished":0,"attrs_nr_words":"1311","attrs_boilerpipe_nr_words":"858","body_ext_links_number":26,"body_int_links_number":68,"meta_nofollow":0,"meta_noarchive":1,"props_was_rendered":0,"src_redirect":"","download_time_msec":1851,"download_ttfb_msec":1820,"download_size":138306}

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Our Reality Emerged from a Primordial Quantum Multiverse.

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One scientist theorizes that before the early universe expanded, it consisted of a “pre-inflationary multiverse” made of particles in quantum superposition.

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Here’s what you’ll learn when you read this story: While scientists are steadily gathering data about both the inflationary and dark energy eras of the universe, we really only know one thing about the pre-inflationary era—our universe arose from it. According to a new hypothesis, during the pre-inflationary era many possible spacetimes existed in superposition before a measurement-like event selected our known universe from the primordial “Schrödinger’s cat box.” Observing hypothetical phenomena could support the idea that our universe is one of many possible spacetimes, but the pre-inflationary era will likely remain one of cosmology’s greatest mysteries. Over the centuries, as direct observations of the universe have grown exponentially in number and precision, our knowledge has expanded to the point that we can ask increasingly difficult and fundamental questions. In 1610, Galileo Galilei discovered the first moons beyond our own planetary system using a rudimentary telescope. Some three hundred years later, Edwin Hubble discovered the first galaxy beyond our own (using a much less rudimentary telescope). Today, the James Webb Space Telescope can see direct evidence of the early universe (just 200 to 400 million years after the Big Bang ), sensitive instruments like LIGO are revealing unprecedented data about black holes and gravitational waves, and the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) is providing scientists with immensely useful information on the Big Bang itself. In other words, we’ve come a long way in our collective attempt to understand the nature of our universe. But one of the biggest, most enigmatic mysteries of early cosmology remains unsolved: What came before everything we think of as ‘the universe’ today? A new study in the journal Universe , authored by physicist Konstantin Zloshchastiev at the Durban University of Technology, puts forward a mind-bending hypothesis that our universe is actually the product of a break in the linear superposition of a quantum multiverse that existed during what is also known as the “pre-inflationary” period—the extremely brief time preceding the universe's rapid inflation. While no telescope could ever hope to glimpse evidence of this period, Zloshchastiev claims that at least one piece of evidence does exist from this crucial moment in cosmic history—the universe itself. “The time preceding these [dark energy and inflation] epochs, the pre-inflationary era, largely remains a mystery, both empirically and theoretically,” Zloshchastiev wrote. “However, one large and easily observable natural phenomenon exists, which is directly related to the pre-inflationary period. This is our Universe itself, with its diverse yet quite orderly and mathematically predictable structure, allowing us to exist and rationalize our reality by assigning laws to the surrounding world.” Before the inflationary period of our known universe—that is, the rapid expansion of the universe mere moments after the Big Bang—matter as we know it didn’t exist. Instead, everything in existence was made up of indistinguishable particles in a quantum superposition. In a sense, all possibilities—and, in effect, all possible space-times—both existed and didn’t exist in what Zloshchastiev calls the “proverbial Schrödinger’s cat box.” Then at some critical moment this linear superposition broke, reducing all possible universes into a single state—our universe. Zloshchastiev describes the collapse of quantum superposition in the primordial universe as a measurement-like Shannon information transfer (named after Claude Shannon , the founder of information theory). He postulates that ‘which-possibility’ information leaked out of a primordial quantum superposition into an external record-like environment, making one outcome effectively real. According to Zloshchastiev, this Shannon information transfer eventually led to the creation of a logarithmic quantum liquid, which in turn gave rise to the physical vacuum of our universe. That vacuum, he explains, isn’t truly empty, but is actually a low-energy quantum field—a sort of ground-state for all other quantum fields. Finally, Zloshchastiev notes that this hypothesis could also explain the universe’s transition from the after-inflationary period to the dark-energy era that now dominates the known universe, providing a stable thread linking the pre-inflationary universe to today. This might all sound very tidy, but any hypothesis is only as good as its ability to be proven or disproven. Zloshchastiev claims that astronomers could attempt to test this hypothesis by searching for hypothetical vacuum Cherenkov radiation (when particles move faster than the speed of light in a vacuum), which could lead to the generation of energy in blazars, quasars, and fast radio bursts. But for now, the pre-inflationary universe is a cosmic mystery that’s almost impossible to solve—without more data , at least. But, as history has shown, humans have an uncanny knack for finding that data and learning more and more about both the universe and our place in it. The Newest AirPods Apple Airpods 4 Now 23% Off Best Flashlight Budget Power Bank Baseus 10000mAh Fast Charging Power Bank Now 13% Off Best Slim Wallet Best Pocket Knife Best Stud Finder BOSCH Wall Scanner and Stud Finder Now 35% Off Best Compact Power Bank Anker Nano 45W Power Bank Now 17% Off Best Budget Bluetooth Speaker Best Value Shop Vac STANLEY Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum Now 16% Off Darren lives in Portland, has a cat, and writes/edits about sci-fi and how our world works. You can find his previous stuff at Gizmodo and Paste if you look hard enough.

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[Space](https://www.popularmechanics.com/space/) 2. [Deep Space](https://www.popularmechanics.com/space/deep-space/) 3. [A Scientist Thinks Our Reality Emerged from a Primordial Quantum Multiverse. He’s Not Crazy.](https://www.popularmechanics.com/space/deep-space/a70683280/quantum-universe-spacetime/) # A Scientist Thinks Our Reality Emerged from a Primordial Quantum Multiverse. He’s Not Crazy. According to a new theory, our universe emerged from a “pre-inflationary multiverse” made of particles in quantum superposition. By [Darren Orf](https://www.popularmechanics.com/author/2793/darren-orf/ "Darren Orf") Published: Mar 12, 2026 2:00 PM EDT ![bookmarks](https://www.popularmechanics.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/saved.ad81f1a.svg?primary=%2523000000) ![Open share options](https://www.popularmechanics.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/social/sharing.89c15b8.svg) ![bookmarks](https://www.popularmechanics.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/headphones-regular.117021e.svg?primary=%2523000000)Listen (6 min)6 min ![outer space fantasy](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/f07cdf23-55b0-4a3f-b284-e56be282b0c6.jpeg?crop=0.696xw:1.00xh;0.128xw,0&resize=640:*) Pobytov//Getty Images Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. [Why Trust Us?](https://www.popularmechanics.com/about/a29149305/popular-mechanics-gear-reviews/) Here’s what you’ll learn when you read this story: - While scientists are steadily gathering data about both the inflationary and dark energy eras of the universe, we really only know one thing about the pre-inflationary era—our universe arose from it. - According to a new hypothesis, during the pre-inflationary era many possible spacetimes existed in superposition before a measurement-like event selected our known universe from the primordial “Schrödinger’s cat box.” - Observing hypothetical phenomena could support the idea that our universe is one of many possible spacetimes, but the pre-inflationary era will likely remain one of cosmology’s greatest mysteries. *** Over the centuries, as direct observations of the universe have grown exponentially in number and precision, our knowledge has expanded to the point that we can ask increasingly difficult and fundamental questions. In 1610, Galileo Galilei discovered the first moons beyond our own planetary system using a rudimentary telescope. Some three hundred years later, Edwin Hubble discovered the first galaxy beyond our own (using a much *less* rudimentary telescope). Today, the James Webb Space Telescope can see direct evidence of the early universe (just 200 to 400 million years after the [Big Bang](https://www.popularmechanics.com/space/deep-space/a69207055/object-rewrite-the-history-of-the-universe/)), sensitive instruments like [LIGO](https://www.popularmechanics.com/space/deep-space/a30444347/ligo-neutron-stars/) are revealing unprecedented data about black holes and gravitational waves, and the [Cosmic Microwave Background](https://www.popularmechanics.com/space/deep-space/a13987275/wmap-cosmic-microwave-background-breakthrough-initiatives/) (CMB) is providing scientists with immensely useful information on the Big Bang itself. ## Related Story - [![](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/an-encounter-with-a-huge-alien-appearing-out-of-the-royalty-free-image-1738355900.pjpeg?crop=1.00xw:0.752xh;0,0.133xh&resize=300:*)Aliens From a Parallel Universe May Be Around Us](https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/a70226846/aliens-from-parallel-universe/) In other words, we’ve come a long way in our collective attempt to understand the nature of our universe. But one of the biggest, most enigmatic mysteries of early cosmology remains unsolved: What came before everything we think of as ‘the universe’ today? A new study in the journal [*Universe*](https://www.mdpi.com/2218-1997/12/2/33#Inflationary_and_Dark_Energy_Epochs), authored by physicist Konstantin Zloshchastiev at the Durban University of Technology, puts forward a mind-bending hypothesis that our universe is actually the product of a break in the linear superposition of a quantum [multiverse](https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/a41601684/neil-degrasse-tyson-multiverse/) that existed during what is also known as the “pre-inflationary” period—the extremely brief time preceding the universe's rapid inflation. While no telescope could ever hope to glimpse evidence of this period, Zloshchastiev claims that at least one piece of evidence does exist from this crucial moment in cosmic history—the universe itself. “The time preceding these \[dark energy and inflation\] epochs, the pre-inflationary era, largely remains a mystery, both empirically and theoretically,” Zloshchastiev wrote. “However, one large and easily observable natural [phenomenon](https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/a65840834/van-gogh-quantum-starry-night/) exists, which is directly related to the pre-inflationary period. This is our Universe itself, with its diverse yet quite orderly and mathematically predictable structure, allowing us to exist and rationalize our reality by assigning laws to the surrounding world.” Before the inflationary period of our known universe—that is, the rapid expansion of the universe mere moments after the Big Bang—matter as we know it didn’t exist. Instead, everything in existence was made up of indistinguishable particles in a quantum superposition. In a sense, all possibilities—and, in effect, all possible space-times—both existed *and* didn’t exist in what Zloshchastiev calls the “proverbial [Schrödinger’s cat](https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/a70239233/humongous-schroedingers-cat/) box.” Then at some critical moment this linear superposition broke, reducing all possible universes into a single state—our universe. ## Related Story - [![](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/time-dilation-conceptual-illustration-royalty-free-illustration-1771517512.pjpeg?crop=0.997xw:0.704xh;0,0.206xh&resize=300:*)Could the Universe Be Made of Just One Electron?](https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/a70418342/one-electron-universe-feynman-wheeler/) Zloshchastiev describes the collapse of quantum superposition in the primordial universe as a measurement-like Shannon information transfer (named after [Claude Shannon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claude_Shannon), the founder of information theory). He postulates that ‘which-possibility’ information leaked out of a primordial quantum superposition into an external record-like environment, making one outcome effectively real. According to Zloshchastiev, this Shannon information transfer eventually led to the creation of a logarithmic quantum liquid, which in turn gave rise to the physical [vacuum](https://www.popularmechanics.com/space/a44617126/how-you-would-die-in-the-vacuum-of-space/) of our universe. That vacuum, he explains, isn’t *truly* empty, but is actually a low-energy quantum field—a sort of ground-state for all other quantum fields. Finally, Zloshchastiev notes that this hypothesis could also explain the universe’s transition from the after-inflationary period to the dark-energy era that now dominates the known universe, providing a stable thread linking the pre-inflationary universe to today. This might all sound very tidy, but any hypothesis is only as good as its ability to be proven or disproven. Zloshchastiev claims that astronomers could attempt to test this hypothesis by searching for hypothetical vacuum [Cherenkov radiation](https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/green-tech/a44928927/cherenkov-radiation-fusion-reaction/) (when particles move faster than the speed of light in a vacuum), which could lead to the generation of energy in blazars, quasars, and fast radio bursts. But for now, the pre-inflationary universe is a cosmic mystery that’s almost impossible to solve—without more [data](https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/a70487360/scientists-found-a-way-to-store-all-of-our-data-on-pieces-of-glass-forever-almost/), at least. But, as history has shown, humans have an uncanny knack for finding that data and learning more and more about both the universe and our place in it. ## Built to Work — Under \$100 ![Chevron Left Icon](https://www.popularmechanics.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/arrow-left-regular.dc4f48a.svg?primary=%2523D4D4D4) ![Chevron Right Icon](https://www.popularmechanics.com/_assets/design-tokens/fre/static/icons/arrow-right-regular.e879c19.svg?primary=%2523fff) The Newest AirPods [![Airpods 4](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1726594062-61iBtxCUabL.jpg?crop=1xw:1.00xh;center,top&resize=980:*)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DGHMNQ5Z?tag=popularmechanics_auto-append-20) ###### Apple Airpods 4 Now 23% Off [~~\$129~~ \$99 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DGHMNQ5Z?tag=popularmechanics_auto-append-20) Best Flashlight [![ML50L LED Flashlight](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1772053580-1764881376-maglite-ml50l-led-flashlight-6931f3cf4bbdc.jpg?crop=1xw:1.00xh;center,top&resize=980:*)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XWPDS40?tag=popularmechanics_auto-append-20) ###### MagLite ML50L LED Flashlight [\$35 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XWPDS40?tag=popularmechanics_auto-append-20) Budget Power Bank [![10000mAh Fast Charging Power Bank](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1766004212-1765988253-baseus-battery-pack-6942d75cf36d5.jpg?crop=1xw:1.00xh;center,top&resize=980:*)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFYPVPRT?tag=popularmechanics_auto-append-20) ###### Baseus 10000mAh Fast Charging Power Bank Now 13% Off [~~\$23~~ \$20 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DFYPVPRT?tag=popularmechanics_auto-append-20) Best Slim Wallet [![RFID Blocking Slim Wallet](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1762376803-1640186011-slim-bifold-wallet-1640186001.jpg?crop=1xw:1.00xh;center,top&resize=980:*)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PJWZ49Q?tag=popularmechanics_auto-append-20) ###### Serman Brands RFID Blocking Slim Wallet [\$30 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PJWZ49Q?tag=popularmechanics_auto-append-20) Best Pocket Knife [![Iridium Pocket Knife](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1755011934-1742934209-kershaw-iridium-67e310b4c3752.jpg?crop=1xw:1.00xh;center,top&resize=980:*)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTB213Q6?tag=popularmechanics_auto-append-20) ###### Kershaw Iridium Pocket Knife [\$61 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BTB213Q6?tag=popularmechanics_auto-append-20) Best Stud Finder [![Wall Scanner and Stud Finder](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1770655291-1742930424-bosch-gms120-27-stud-finder-002-67e301e3e05c4.jpg?crop=0.667xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DBWSSPT2?tag=popularmechanics_auto-append-20) ###### BOSCH Wall Scanner and Stud Finder Now 35% Off [~~\$119~~ \$78 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DBWSSPT2?tag=popularmechanics_auto-append-20) Best Compact Power Bank [![Nano 45W Power Bank](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1772053855-1762171984-anker-nano-10k-retractable-cable-69089c2c1b9d9.jpg?crop=1xw:1.00xh;center,top&resize=980:*)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DGKWTQQC?tag=popularmechanics_auto-append-20) ###### Anker Nano 45W Power Bank Now 17% Off [~~\$60~~ \$50 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DGKWTQQC?tag=popularmechanics_auto-append-20) Best Budget Bluetooth Speaker [![Motion 300 Wireless Portable Speaker](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1772054120-1751294505-soundcore-motion-300-portable-speaker-001-6862a219aea22.jpg?crop=0.750xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CDJWTWMB?tag=popularmechanics_auto-append-20) ###### soundcore Motion 300 Wireless Portable Speaker [\$80 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CDJWTWMB?tag=popularmechanics_auto-append-20) Best Value Shop Vac [![Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1772054190-1743188892-stanley-sl18116p-wet-dry-vacuum-003-67e6f368985a8.jpg?crop=0.750xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IS94BWS?tag=popularmechanics_auto-append-20) ###### STANLEY Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum Now 16% Off [~~\$68~~ \$57 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IS94BWS?tag=popularmechanics_auto-append-20) ![Headshot of Darren Orf](https://hips.hearstapps.com/rover/profile_photos/e9b7a87b-359a-4fff-859b-ab9cf5e31c5b_1565789938.file?fill=1:1&resize=120:*) [Darren Orf](https://www.popularmechanics.com/author/2793/darren-orf/) Contributing Editor Darren lives in Portland, has a cat, and writes/edits about sci-fi and how our world works. You can find his previous stuff at Gizmodo and Paste if you look hard enough. Watch Next Advertisement - Continue Reading Below ## [Deep Space](https://www.popularmechanics.com/space/deep-space/) [![Abstract High Speed Wormhole Illuminated from Inside](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/a85c7038-4cc3-4ea6-84fb-633c9036de54.jpeg?crop=0.555555555556xw:1xh;center,top&resize=360:*)Can Extra Dimensions Fix the Black Hole Paradox?](https://www.popularmechanics.com/space/deep-space/a71089897/black-hole-seven-dimensions/) [![White Abstract background.Tunnel Futuristic digital background for business Science and technology](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/5ead1717-0f80-4f8e-bc93-ec9137cad3db.jpeg?crop=0.562461538462xw:1xh;center,top&resize=360:*)Black Holes Are Defying Their Own Rules of Physics](https://www.popularmechanics.com/space/deep-space/a71018151/black-hole-rule-breaking/) [![Circle of lines](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/c7a8cec6-9e55-4766-902c-72ae08008b34.jpeg?crop=0.666666666667xw:1xh;center,top&resize=360:*)Why the Hubble Tension Remains So Puzzling](https://www.popularmechanics.com/space/deep-space/a71007601/hubble-constant-measured/) [![quantum gravity](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/quantum-gravity-royalty-free-image-1770325141.pjpeg?crop=0.561xw:1.00xh;0.0793xw,0&resize=360:*)The Universe Got Its Shape From This Elusive Particle’s Gravity.](https://www.popularmechanics.com/space/deep-space/a70847569/neutrino-gravity-universe/) Advertisement - Continue Reading Below [![alien, illustration](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/alien-illustration-royalty-free-illustration-1714076146.jpg?crop=0.66635xw:1xh;center,top&resize=360:*)Why Life on Other Planets Might Be Purple](https://www.popularmechanics.com/space/deep-space/a70802383/purple-alien-life-study/) [![radio telescope and milky way background](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/00d9131a-2f66-49b3-9638-d050b146a2ea.jpeg?crop=0.662xw:1.00xh;0.170xw,0&resize=360:*)Wow! 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Readable Markdown

Here’s what you’ll learn when you read this story: - While scientists are steadily gathering data about both the inflationary and dark energy eras of the universe, we really only know one thing about the pre-inflationary era—our universe arose from it. - According to a new hypothesis, during the pre-inflationary era many possible spacetimes existed in superposition before a measurement-like event selected our known universe from the primordial “Schrödinger’s cat box.” - Observing hypothetical phenomena could support the idea that our universe is one of many possible spacetimes, but the pre-inflationary era will likely remain one of cosmology’s greatest mysteries. *** Over the centuries, as direct observations of the universe have grown exponentially in number and precision, our knowledge has expanded to the point that we can ask increasingly difficult and fundamental questions. In 1610, Galileo Galilei discovered the first moons beyond our own planetary system using a rudimentary telescope. Some three hundred years later, Edwin Hubble discovered the first galaxy beyond our own (using a much *less* rudimentary telescope). Today, the James Webb Space Telescope can see direct evidence of the early universe (just 200 to 400 million years after the [Big Bang](https://www.popularmechanics.com/space/deep-space/a69207055/object-rewrite-the-history-of-the-universe/)), sensitive instruments like [LIGO](https://www.popularmechanics.com/space/deep-space/a30444347/ligo-neutron-stars/) are revealing unprecedented data about black holes and gravitational waves, and the [Cosmic Microwave Background](https://www.popularmechanics.com/space/deep-space/a13987275/wmap-cosmic-microwave-background-breakthrough-initiatives/) (CMB) is providing scientists with immensely useful information on the Big Bang itself. In other words, we’ve come a long way in our collective attempt to understand the nature of our universe. But one of the biggest, most enigmatic mysteries of early cosmology remains unsolved: What came before everything we think of as ‘the universe’ today? A new study in the journal [*Universe*](https://www.mdpi.com/2218-1997/12/2/33#Inflationary_and_Dark_Energy_Epochs), authored by physicist Konstantin Zloshchastiev at the Durban University of Technology, puts forward a mind-bending hypothesis that our universe is actually the product of a break in the linear superposition of a quantum [multiverse](https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/a41601684/neil-degrasse-tyson-multiverse/) that existed during what is also known as the “pre-inflationary” period—the extremely brief time preceding the universe's rapid inflation. While no telescope could ever hope to glimpse evidence of this period, Zloshchastiev claims that at least one piece of evidence does exist from this crucial moment in cosmic history—the universe itself. “The time preceding these \[dark energy and inflation\] epochs, the pre-inflationary era, largely remains a mystery, both empirically and theoretically,” Zloshchastiev wrote. “However, one large and easily observable natural [phenomenon](https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/a65840834/van-gogh-quantum-starry-night/) exists, which is directly related to the pre-inflationary period. This is our Universe itself, with its diverse yet quite orderly and mathematically predictable structure, allowing us to exist and rationalize our reality by assigning laws to the surrounding world.” Before the inflationary period of our known universe—that is, the rapid expansion of the universe mere moments after the Big Bang—matter as we know it didn’t exist. Instead, everything in existence was made up of indistinguishable particles in a quantum superposition. In a sense, all possibilities—and, in effect, all possible space-times—both existed *and* didn’t exist in what Zloshchastiev calls the “proverbial [Schrödinger’s cat](https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/a70239233/humongous-schroedingers-cat/) box.” Then at some critical moment this linear superposition broke, reducing all possible universes into a single state—our universe. Zloshchastiev describes the collapse of quantum superposition in the primordial universe as a measurement-like Shannon information transfer (named after [Claude Shannon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claude_Shannon), the founder of information theory). He postulates that ‘which-possibility’ information leaked out of a primordial quantum superposition into an external record-like environment, making one outcome effectively real. According to Zloshchastiev, this Shannon information transfer eventually led to the creation of a logarithmic quantum liquid, which in turn gave rise to the physical [vacuum](https://www.popularmechanics.com/space/a44617126/how-you-would-die-in-the-vacuum-of-space/) of our universe. That vacuum, he explains, isn’t *truly* empty, but is actually a low-energy quantum field—a sort of ground-state for all other quantum fields. Finally, Zloshchastiev notes that this hypothesis could also explain the universe’s transition from the after-inflationary period to the dark-energy era that now dominates the known universe, providing a stable thread linking the pre-inflationary universe to today. This might all sound very tidy, but any hypothesis is only as good as its ability to be proven or disproven. Zloshchastiev claims that astronomers could attempt to test this hypothesis by searching for hypothetical vacuum [Cherenkov radiation](https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/green-tech/a44928927/cherenkov-radiation-fusion-reaction/) (when particles move faster than the speed of light in a vacuum), which could lead to the generation of energy in blazars, quasars, and fast radio bursts. But for now, the pre-inflationary universe is a cosmic mystery that’s almost impossible to solve—without more [data](https://www.popularmechanics.com/science/a70487360/scientists-found-a-way-to-store-all-of-our-data-on-pieces-of-glass-forever-almost/), at least. But, as history has shown, humans have an uncanny knack for finding that data and learning more and more about both the universe and our place in it. 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You can find his previous stuff at Gizmodo and Paste if you look hard enough.

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Content Metadata

Language

en-us

Author

Darren Orf

Publish Time

2026-03-12 18:00:00 (1 month ago)

Original Publish Time

2026-03-12 18:00:00 (1 month ago)

Republished

Word Count (Total)

1,311

Word Count (Content)

858

Links

External Links

Internal Links

Technical SEO

Meta Nofollow

Meta Noarchive

Yes

JS Rendered

Redirect Target

null

Performance

Download Time (ms)

1,851

TTFB (ms)

1,820

Download Size (bytes)

138,306

Shard

162 (laksa)

Root Hash

11125021743305196162

Unparsed URL

com,popularmechanics!www,/space/deep-space/a70683280/quantum-universe-spacetime/ s443