Mmastodon TechnologyTechnology first seen 1 d ago, last 32 min ago, peak #1

Physicists discuss whether false vacuum decay could end the Universe

Original: Could false vacuum decay end the Universe without warning? If the Higgs field is metastable, quantum tunneling could in

A discussion in physics circles is revisiting false vacuum decay: the idea that if the Higgs field is metastable, quantum tunneling could in principle create a bubble of lower-energy vacuum expanding at near light speed, destroying everything without warning. Those sharing it stress this is serious theoretical physics, not a prediction of imminent doom, and that any such event is extraordinarily unlikely on human timescales.

Why now: Interest in a dramatic but legitimate theoretical physics scenario about the stability of the Higgs field and the fate of the Universe.

Higgs fieldfalse vacuum decayUniverse

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Evidence

• Could false vacuum decay end the Universe without warning? If the Higgs field is metastable, quantum tunneling could in principle create a lower-energy vacuum bubble expanding near light speed. It is serious theoretical physics — not a prediction of imminent doom. https://www.… · nexthorizon · 4

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