THE WORLD IS A STAGE
A SPACE ODYSSEY: THE WORLD’S MOST FAMOUS BEAGLE CHASING COSMIC LOOPHOLES
LISA FISSER
February 10, 2025
The tantalizing concept of wormholes, often described as shortcuts through space-time that could connect distant parts of the universe, sits at the crossroads of theoretical physics and science fiction. From Einstein’s equations to the whimsical spacefaring exploits of “Snoopy in Space,” our fascination with cosmic loopholes spans both rigorous scientific inquiry and imaginative storytelling.
Rooted in Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity, the idea of wormholes is both a marvel of mathematical possibility and a source of profound philosophical questions about the nature of the cosmos. At the heart of the matter lies the tension between the theoretical plausibility of wormholes and the practical challenges that make their existence, let alone their utility, deeply questionable. For many, wormholes represent an incredible unknown—a doorway to other galaxies, dimensions, or even eras.
Wormholes, formally known as Einstein-Rosen bridges, emerged from a 1935 paper by Albert Einstein and Nathan Rosen. They proposed that space-time could, in theory, curve back on itself, creating a tunnel-like structure. This concept arose naturally from the equations of general relativity, which describe how massive objects distort space-time. While these equations allow for the theoretical existence of such phenomena, the practical hurdles to realizing them are staggering. For one, a wormhole would require the universe to fold—a process that would necessitate conditions far beyond anything observed or understood in modern physics. Moreover, the absence of evidence for their existence keeps them firmly in the realm of speculation.
The allure of wormholes, however, lies not merely in their theoretical elegance but in the extraordinary implications they carry. Imagine a tunnel that could transport travelers across billions of light-years in moments or link entirely different universes. In the realm of science fiction, such ideas have fueled iconic narratives from Star Trek (1966– ) to Interstellar (2014). Theoretical physics suggests that wormholes might be possible, but their existence depends on exotic matter—material with negative energy density—being used to keep them open. This exotic matter remains an enigma, with no experimental evidence for its existence.
Please explain
The practical obstacles to wormholes are daunting. First, the formation of a wormhole would require conditions that are scarcely imaginable. The immense gravitational forces needed to warp space-time into a tunnel would likely result in the creation of a black hole, whose immense density would collapse the wormhole instantaneously. Even if such a structure could somehow be stabilized, the matter traveling through it would face another challenge: tidal forces. As objects neared the narrowest part of a wormhole, the gravitational gradient would likely rip them apart—a phenomenon grimly known as spaghettification. In this sense, wormholes might be cosmic booby traps rather than shortcuts.
Yet even though wormholes remain purely theoretical, the challenge of making such high-level physics comprehensible is an ongoing one. One unexpected source of inspiration in this regard is Snoopy in Space, an animated series produced by Apple TV+ in collaboration with NASA. The series, which debuted in 2019 as part of Apple’s push into streaming, reintroduces the world’s most famous beagle in a role to which he’s long aspired: astronaut. Designed primarily for children but carrying the charm and wit that has made Charles Schulz’s Peanuts characters beloved across generations, the show distills astrophysical concepts like gravity, black holes, and space travel into digestible and delightfully illustrated lessons. In one episode, Snoopy, playing the role of an eager but slightly clueless astronaut, encounters the mind-bending effects of warped space-time. As he embarks on his cosmic journey, his silent expressions and determined antics convey an unwavering belief in discovery—one that mirrors humanity’s own relentless curiosity about the unknown.
On a mission from Dog
Snoopy in Space excels at breaking down abstract cosmic concepts by embedding them in narratives filled with humor and adventure. The show illustrates gravitational effects by showing Snoopy floating in microgravity or struggling against extreme forces near a black hole, instead of simply describing them with complex jargon. It introduces young audiences to scientific challenges like space travel, the search for exoplanets, and the question of extraterrestrial life, all while grounding these ideas in real-world NASA research. This approach mirrors the broader challenge of making physics accessible—transforming something overwhelmingly theoretical into a format that is intuitive and engaging.
Moreover, the show embraces one of the key strengths of science communication: visualization. Wormholes are notoriously difficult to conceptualize because they involve dimensions beyond our three-dimensional experience. Physicists often rely on analogies like bending a piece of paper and connecting two points with a tunnel. Snoopy in Space animates these distortions in space-time, allowing audiences to see what might otherwise seem impossible to imagine. As Woodstock flutters near the event horizon of a black hole and chirps in alarm, his frantic noises illustrate a universal truth—some paths, once taken, have no return.
Laika, the first dog in space, 1957
Despite the challenges, the pursuit of wormholes continues to inspire. Advances in technology and theoretical physics could one day provide new insights into their feasibility. The discovery of exotic matter or breakthroughs in our understanding of quantum gravity might transform wormholes from speculative fiction to scientific fact. Until then, they remain a testament to human imagination.
In the end, the question of wormholes is not just about physics, but about humanity’s relationship with the cosmos. They represent a tantalizing possibility—the idea that the universe might hold secrets beyond our wildest dreams. Whether or not these secrets include shortcuts through space-time, the pursuit of wormholes reflects our unyielding desire to understand the universe and our place within it. As we gaze at the stars, wondering if such passages exist, we are reminded that the journey of discovery is as important as the destination. Wormholes may or may not connect galaxies, but they undoubtedly connect us to the boundless possibilities of human thought.
All systems are go
Lisa Fisser, born in Winterthur, Switzerland, holds a PhD in theoretical physics from ETH Zurich and has authored “Through the Wormhole without a Map” and “Quantum Loopholes and the Way to Infinity.” When not contemplating cosmic shortcuts, she misplaces equations, debates quantum entanglement, and occasionally wonders if the universe—like Snoopy in his space helmet—is simply having a bit of fun at our expense.
Cover image: Snoopy in Space, 2019–21
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