Abstract
We have seen that matter curves the space around it and that the greater the amount of matter, the greater the curvature. But how extreme can the curvature become? Is it possible for matter to create an infinite curvature? This possibility bothered Einstein and others after the first solution of the field equations of general relativity was found. Indeed, a mystery developed that was not cleared up for over 40 years. It was, however, the final resolution of this mystery that now forms the basis of our hope for space travel.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
Bibliography
Hawking, Stephen, and Israel, Werner, Three Hundred Years of Gravitation (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1987).
Howard, D., and Stachel, J., Einstein and the History of General Relativity (Boston: Birkhauser, 1989).
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 1991 Barry Parker
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Parker, B. (1991). The Discovery of Space-time Tunnels. In: Cosmic Time Travel. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-6136-5_6
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-6136-5_6
Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA
Print ISBN: 978-0-306-43966-7
Online ISBN: 978-1-4899-6136-5
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive