Harold’s Modern Physics Theory
3 years, 4 months ago by WillRead more: Lost, Lost Theories
This was posted by one of our readers Harold during the commentary associated with the D.O.C episode (some minor edits were made to Harold’s comment). I do not necessarily agree with everything here, but definitely feel that this is well thought out and deserving of its own post:
“I think that much of what is happening on the island can be explained using some of the concepts that are used in modern physics.”
Black hole
A black hole is thought to occur when a star collapses. The gravity is so great that light cannot escape. Once an object reaches the “event horizon” around the black hole, it is sucked-in and can never escape. Also, some scientists think that a black hole may act as a wormhole or portal to another location in space-time in our universe or to another universe.
The Island is, in some ways, like a black hole. The Island has unusual magnetic properties and objects seem to crash into it all the time. It is impossible or at the very least difficult to leave the Island. The submarine is used to leave and enter the Island, and in the episode with Juliet arriving on the island, she has to be sedated because the ride is so violent. Also, warping of space-time is associated with black holes/the Island.
Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle
This is a theory in quantum mechanics that basically states it is impossible to know the exact location and speed of an object. Another way of stating it is that by measuring the location or speed of an object, one changes the object. This has to do with determinism. It used to be thought that using Newtonian theories of physics one could exactly predict what a complex system would do if one knew everything about the system. So if you knew everything about every atom in a person and each force acting upon that person you could exactly predict what would happen to that person. However, because of the uncertainty principle this is thought not to be true. No matter how much you know you can never exactly predict the future.
This comes up within the context of the show quite a bit. Desmond predicting the future and possibly changing it based on his actions. The issue of faith:
Can we change our destiny.
The Multiverse
Modern physics, using concepts such as string theory, believes that there are many dimensions and possibly an infinite number of universes. Each universe may exist slightly out of phase with each other. So one universe may exist where the flight 815 crashes and another where it does not. In one universe the bodies may be found while in another universe the flight may crash without the bodies found.
Multiple dimensions also may explain the circumstances on the Island that appear magical. For example, for a 2 dimensional creature, on a flat surface, events occurring in three dimensional space would appear magical. In the same way on the Island when things happen with the “smoke monster” maybe we are unable to perceive events occurring in higher dimensions impacting on a three dimensional world.
Summary
So, the Island is a “singularity”. It has properties because of its magnetism that make it act like a black hole. Space-time is warped and quantum mechanics is needed to explain occurrences. Perhaps the Others can somehow monitor different universes where there are different time-lines. So that when Ben shows Juliet that he cured her sister’s cancer and that she successfully had a baby, that would be representative of one potential timeline that he reveals to her. All of the unusual events on the Island occur because when there are extremes of forces such a gravity or magnetism, quantum mechanics tell us that anything can occur. Nothing is impossible. Events may have a low probability but they can occur. Desmond may also be able to see different time lines. He is therefore not really seeing the future but only seeing possible “futures” or “pasts” that may or may not be part of the time line we are observing.
I have not tried to explain everything but just to say that the crux of my theory would have to be that the Island represents a “singularity” because of its unusual magnetic properties and that ordinary physics that we use on a day-to-day basis cannot be used to explain things on the Island.
Comment 1, posted 3 years, 4 months ago -
I feel like you climbed inside my brain and pulled out my thoughts but articulatd them much better than I could.
Thank you thank you!
Comment 2, posted 3 years, 4 months ago -
This is extremely weird because this is exactly what I’ve been thinking as of late, only perhaps a better job done on explaining things. Thanks for posting this. It makes me feel better to know others think this relates to what is going on.
Comment 3, posted 3 years, 4 months ago -
Unlike Tina and Neil, I never thought of this theory, but it is a great one nonetheless. Nice work!
Comment 4, posted 3 years, 4 months ago -
Wow – this seems mark on to me. I’m now thinking that the big scientific project going on is creating a wormhole.
Maybe that’s what the box is. The center of the wormhole.
So is that how the losties will get off the island? By figuring out the wormhole, going through the box and back home?
Comment 5, posted 3 years, 4 months ago -
IIRC, Carlton & Damon said in a podcast a few weeks back that there is no literal box, but that Ben was using a metaphor.
FYI.
Comment 6, posted 3 years, 4 months ago -
Very interesting. I’d be surprised if the real answer had nothing to do with this kind of thing. Sure the box was a metaphor, but that doesn’t mean these guys haven’t harnessed something powerful on the island that they can’t completely control (think Ben’s cancer).
It would make sense that a religious cult might crop up to try and explain/manipulate a scientific phenomenon that isn’t yet understood. Who is it that said any technology sufficiently ahead of what we know would appear to us as magic?
So it goes…
Comment 7, posted 3 years, 4 months ago -
SpinPapi wrote:
Yes, with John Locke as high priest!
Great work Frank on your theory. The hinting of these ideas in the plot make me throughly addicted!
Comment 8, posted 3 years, 4 months ago -
It is interesting the role that time travel and the mysterious grey haired lady are playing in this season. It really fits in line with the wormhole theroy.
This is the most interesting post since this blog was sold. Hope more of this sorta stuff continues – I was just about to unsubscribe to the rss.
Comment 9, posted 3 years, 4 months ago -
i read your theory when u posted it earlier, on DOC i think, & already told u i think the theory makes a lot of sense. it’s a really good one that explains a lot & seems like it could be true. Good job!
Comment 10, posted 3 years, 4 months ago -
Nice Job Frank,
I too have always noticed the parallels b/w Lost themes and theoretical physics. If I may add to your excellent post, I have always thought the Island-is-a-black-hole theory also makes sense. As you explained, a black hole is created by gravity so strong that nothing can escape from it, not even light. Gravity, as Einstein discovered, is nothing more than the force of acceleration through space-time. Also as Einstein discovered, as objects accelerate at speeds approaching the speed of light, time slows down for that object relative to objects not moving. Thus, if the island is experiencing this type of Gravity (i.e., acceleration) creating a black hole, it would explain why time flows different on the island as compared to the outside world. Time would move slower (or stop) on the island, while time would flow normally in the outside world. Perhaps when the finally get off the island they’ll be greeted by the outside world in the year 3007!
Comment 11, posted 3 years, 4 months ago -
Yeah that was a good theory if you are into all that heady stuff…
I like my 2 cents worth of an island controlled by underground Apes of the most technically advanced kind.
Comment 12, posted 3 years, 4 months ago -
Nice work Frank! Being able to explain these concepts in a way that everyone can understand is a real challenge. I have always been intrigued by time/space theories and especialaly pretaining to LOST. This is the best explanation to date of the possible anomaly that is the Lost island. Wormhole or Black Hole would certainly explain traveling to the island and the 815 crash. I expect the “protective bubble” that stops the vaccuum from sucking in the entire planet was manipulated using the Swan station. Lots to think about! Hey Will thanks for separately posting a great analysis. More to come , I hope?
Comment 13, posted 3 years, 4 months ago -
Nice read,I agree with (can’t remember who came up with it first) the theory that the Island is a “physical place” somewhere in the South Pole.(or South Pacific)(or Dark Side of the Moon)Protected by some New Age Electromagnetic GeoDome.
Comment 14, posted 3 years, 4 months ago -
Yes, very good…
Anyhow, about Lost…
Do you think the Tsunami is going to hit the Island?
I think it pretty much ties in (timeline-wise) with the end of the season but I guess it might be in bad taste depending on how it is executed… I’m unsure.
I’m kinda hoping it does hit as I think it would be an AWESOME ending to the season.
Imagine this….
The last 2 hour episode is amazing, it twists, turns, suprises and excites as we all hope it will. Then, when the last scene ends and we think thats it, there is a close up of one of the character’s eyes (say Ben’s for example)…. his eyes get wider and scared looking… the camera pans back to reveal a petrified expression…. the camera pans round to what he can see…. an ENORMOUS waves in the distance rolling towards the island… cue the end titles!
Am I getting carried away?
Are Damon or Carlton hiring?
Comment 15, posted 3 years, 4 months ago -
I wrote the theory quoted above. Just want to get credit for it!!!!!!
Comment 16, posted 3 years, 4 months ago -
Hmmm. too technical, though i can see how it works in the realms of the story, for me though, it’s no coincidence they are all getting to shed some part of their souls, the island as a living entity, exploring all theories that we are all connected, all one, mass consciousness idea. According to some modern spiritual writings, they claim ife works for you when you are on the right path and if lifes goal is for everything to reach it’s potential when people run towards that ( even by running away ) it’ll help. This supports the evr blurred line of what is good and what is bad, as sometimes even bad is good, it all depends on intention. I think yes dharma came to the island but after it worked out such a place could exist that would act as a catalyst with the right elements, widmore industries found that place ( penny has sent people there aka naomi ) and that is why people will protect it i.e ben’s comments on the others would protect it with their lives, but ultimately, we are human, and lockes faith and pure intention gives him the ability to walk whilst ben’s may have been diluted hence the tumour. But what do i know…oh, p.s, as in.ofe, has anyone noticed how characters are ona cycle of learning the same lessons just in more/ different ways each season… roll on season 4, 5,6 & 7. this show has rocked my world.
Comment 17, posted 3 years, 4 months ago -
dave wrote:
If they are hiring u’d get the job. That would be an AWESOME ending for the season!
Comment 18, posted 3 years, 4 months ago -
Harold wrote:
Harold, please accept my apology, I indeed verified this was your original post. Thanks for your thoughts and I look forward to you further elaborating as the season progresses.
Comment 19, posted 3 years, 4 months ago -
Will, thanks for the correction. Harold
Comment 20, posted 3 years, 4 months ago -
Thanks for your theorgy Harold!
I too have been trying to rationalize the show’s events using physics (especially quantum theories) and I always think that at some level quantum mechanics (the discovery that different forces apply at the micro level) and humanity’s quest for enlightenment will eventually converge.
By that I mean that once we discover how to control events at the micro level (see string theory etc), we will have reached enlightenment which might have been Dharma’s ultimate objective/discovery.
If you find this stuff interesting, check out Brian Greene’s “Physics: The Elegant Universe and Beyond” (especially the first 2 DVDs)intended for a lay audience and absolutely fascinating!!
Comment 21, posted 3 years, 4 months ago -
dave wrote:
Yes Dave,this would make a great ending to the season IF the Island were in the area,but Dave,something tells me we ain’t in Kansas anymore,know what I mean.South Pole,wormhole,inner earth,Dark side of the Moon,or someother place but I just dont see it being as simple as a South Pacific Island,thoughts?
Ps.now having said this tonights episode will probably comfirm its an Island in the SouthPacific.:)
Comment 22, posted 3 years, 4 months ago -
Duh, I also meant to mention this episode’s title as part of the prison island theory…
Comment 23, posted 3 years, 4 months ago -
poopypants wrote:
Comment 24, posted 3 years, 4 months ago -
Does this mean that the earth star has exploded?
Comment 25, posted 3 years, 4 months ago -
Great theory.
But what about the “Great Man” that all the “Others” speaks about?
Ben himself spoke (in episode20, 2nd season) about him and he described him as a “Great and Magnificent man”. Also Juliet told the same words to Jack in season 3 (but I don’t remember where…).
So I think they’re all dead.
I hope to be wrong because I’ll be really disappoint for a suchlike ending!!!
Comment 26, posted 3 years, 3 months ago -
This is a great theory…I have one that is a little more fantastic. Imagine that this island is located in “The hollow earth”. The inner linning of the earth could contain continents and oceans and have it’s own internal star (sun). Look up Wikipedia and type in “hollow earth”.
This theory may explain how a sub was used to travel back and forth…how strange magnetic forces play a role…how the wreak of flight 815 was found at the bottom of the ocean (perhaps only parts were found and the survivors made it into the hollow earth). The hollow earth theory also suggests that there are openings at the poles of the earth…this may explain how ships are able to come and go. The only thing I can not confirm is weather or not a shot of the moon has been seen during the show (this would void my theory)
Just a theory. Any thoughts on this?
Comment 27, posted 3 years, 3 months ago -
As for the back hole theory. I dont think that anyore crashes will be coming to the isand. it seems that people come when the numbers werent entered into the computer on time… thanks desmond you $#%^HEAD
Comment 28, posted 3 years, 3 months ago -
I certainly agree with this theory and I must say that Harold presented this information very well.
I have been doing my ‘Lost’ research and I found the actual comic book that Walt read online. You can find it by looking up ‘Walt’s Comic’ on google. This comic is about the DC heroes, Green Lantern and the Flash.
DC Background info: The DC universe is made of all the familiar characters that we know so well… ex. Batman, Superman, Wonderwoman etc. What you might not know is that there are several versions of all of these characters. The difference has been explained as generational as well as paradigm/dimensional differences. In the 80′s DC found that they had so many versions of each character that they created a series called “Crisis on Infinite Earths” where they set out to rid the DC universe of these extraneous characters.
The following is a brief synopsis of the issue that Walt was reading, which appeared to be a real comic book, entitled: Green Lantern/Flash: Faster Friends #1.
The New Flash and Green Lantern save the old Flash and GL from an alien force that they falsely imprisoned at the request of the U.S. government. During the Alien’s imprisonment he is put through tests, causing him to suffer an incurable type cancer.
When the heroes are rescued, the alien blows up the spaceship where he held the old Flash and GL with himself inside, but before he does so, he opens a portal to another universe that contains a race of hostile aliens that will attack earth.
These ideas are not too far from the Blackhole/alternate universe theory. In one of Desmond’s flashback episodes he experiences the past, BUT there are slight differences. This could very well be explained if Desmond paid a visit to an alternate timeline.
Charlie’s death predictions are a great example of this also. Desmond may have been able to see the future of Charlie from alternate timelines, but not until recently was he able to see the fate of ‘His Charlie’. Was this pre-destined or a self fulfilling prophecy?
This could also explain the paradox of Jack referring to his father as if he’s still alive in the final episode of season 3. It may also explain the other Oceanic flight 815 that had no survivors.
I believe that the island is perhaps a central point where different paradigms collide.
Comment 29, posted 2 years, 11 months ago -
i’m not sure with juliet coming in sedated meant that the ride was violent.. it could be that they were just somewhere near.. and not meant to travel elsewhere.. or could be that you have to die to be in that island..
her being sedated and then dying would mean she will have no memory of her dying.. thus she’ll continue to think she was living.. just like when that girl who landed in the island via parachute with desmond’s picture.. she said all the people in flight 815 died and that they had found the plane and the bodies.. or it could be that she lied about it.. but what if she didn’t lie about that? what if they were already dead and that they’re all just lost souls?
Comment 30, posted 2 years, 11 months ago -
i think we are confusing ourself too much.
we all have to agree that lost has a combination of
religion/ faith, lost souls, science, paranormal and fiction. we can all rest once we see the final season of lost. however i love how lost keeps me up all night thinking and trying to figure out everything.. although we know we really can’t..
for all we know the writers could also be getting their ideas from this blog.. your theories are being used and just bended a little..
i just can’t wait for season 4!
RSS Feed for new comments on this post