Best-selling science fiction author Brandon Q. Morris discusses his recent article in The Debrief, “Tiny Wormholes May Be Usable For Interstellar Communication”, inspired by a scientific paper entitled, “Traversable Wormholes in Einstein-Dirac-Maxwell Theory”, by Jose Luis Blázquez-Salcedo, Christian Knoll, and Eugen Radu. Morris holds a Master’s in physics from the Technical University of Dresden, has an extensive background in science, technology, and computing journalism, and is a member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America and the Mars Society. Known for his hard science fiction, particularly the Enceladus series, Brandon’s work is characterized by scientific accuracy and logic, akin to authors like Arthur C. Clarke and Larry Niven.

The conversation delves into the scientific underpinnings of Brandon’s novels, focusing on astronomical and physical phenomena. They discuss the concept of wormholes, inspired by a scientific paper by Blazquez, Salcedo, Knoll, and Radu, which suggests that wormholes could be stabilized using charged particles like electrons. This idea opens up possibilities for interstellar communication and travel, although practical challenges remain. The discussion also touches on the ER equals EPR conjecture, linking quantum entanglement and wormholes, and the potential for using wormholes for near-instantaneous communication. Brandon references “The Light of Other Days,” a novel exploring the use of nano wormholes for privacy and surveillance.

The conversation concludes with Brandon mentioning his latest projects, including a series on the Fermi paradox and a novel about humankind’s first interstellar voyage set in the dark cloud LDM 63. Brandon’s articles and books are available on hard-sf.com, with links provided in the YouTube show notes.

The World of Hard Science Fiction

Brandon Q. Morris is renowned for his hard science fiction novels, which are characterized by their scientific accuracy and logical consistency. For those new to his work, the Enceladus series is highly recommended as a starting point. Hard science fiction, a genre that includes notable authors like Arthur C. Clarke and Larry Niven, stands out for its commitment to scientific realism.

In the podcast, Brandon discussed how popular TV shows like Star Trek, Star Wars, and Battlestar Galactica vary in their scientific accuracy. He noted that the newer series of Battlestar Galactica has made strides towards increased scientific accuracy, which is a positive development for fans of the genre.

The Fascinating World of Wormholes

One of the most intriguing topics covered in the podcast was Brandon’s article “Tiny Wormholes May be Usable for Interstellar Communication,” which is based on a scientific paper by Blazquez Salcedo, Knoll, and Radu. Wormholes, theoretical solutions to Einstein’s equations of general relativity, have long fascinated scientists and science fiction writers alike. Although they have not been found in reality, the possibility of their existence and traversability continues to inspire imaginative storytelling.

Brandon explained that wormholes could theoretically be stabilized with negative mass or negative energy, but the immense amounts required may not exist. However, the paper suggests using charged particles, such as electrons, to stabilize wormholes due to their high charge-to-mass ratio. This substitution could open new possibilities, even on a nanoscale.

The Potential of Wormhole Communication

The discussion delved into the concept of using wormholes for communication, a topic that has captured the imagination of many. While the idea of near-instantaneous travel for electrons through wormholes is exciting, it still obeys the speed of light for outside observers. This leads to the concept of the ansible, a hypothetical device for instant communication, which still faces challenges due to observer perspectives.

The discussion also touched on the ER equals EPR conjecture, which links entanglement and wormholes. This connection between quantum physics and general relativity is an area of active research, with theoretical scientists working to confirm its validity.

Innovative Ideas and Future Possibilities

Brandon explored various innovative ideas inspired by wormhole research. For instance, the novel “The Light of Other Days” explores the use of nano wormholes for privacy and cameras. While the concept of using wormholes for cameras is fun and reasonable, it requires electron transfer to keep the wormholes open.

Another exciting idea discussed was the potential to power remote devices, such as computers or space probes, by sending electrons through a wormhole. This could be particularly useful in interstellar space where solar cells are not viable. Additionally, the idea of pulling energy from the sun through a wormhole instead of creating fusion was mentioned, although significant quantum physics challenges remain.

The Fermi Paradox and Interstellar Communication

The discussion concluded with a discussion on the Fermi paradox, which suggests that many intelligent species may exist, but we are not detecting them. One possibility is that these civilizations use advanced communication methods, such as entanglement or wormholes, which we are not yet equipped to detect. Our current telescopes are tuned for astrophysical phenomena, and we may need to explore different wavelengths to find evidence of these advanced communications.

Brandon Q. Morris’s Current Projects

As the podcast wrapped up, Tim thanked Brandon for his time and mentioned his articles and books available on hard-sf.com. Brandon shared that he has recently finished a series on the Fermi paradox and is working on a novel set in the dark cloud LDM 63, which will explore humankind’s first interstellar voyage.

For fans of hard science fiction and those interested in the latest scientific research, Brandon Q. Morris’s work offers a captivating blend of scientific accuracy and imaginative storytelling. Be sure to check out his books and articles for more fascinating insights into the universe.