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What is a wormhole?

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Quick answer

A wormhole is a hypothetical tunnel through spacetime that could connect two distant points, like a shortcut folding space. Predicted by Einstein's equations, wormholes are theoretically possible but have never been observed and may be impossible to keep open. It's a theorized shortcut linking two separate points in spacetime.

Key things to understand

  1. It's a theorized shortcut linking two separate points in spacetime.
  2. It arises as a solution to Einstein's general relativity equations.
  3. In theory it could connect distant places — or even times.
  4. No wormhole has ever been observed.
  5. Keeping one open may require 'exotic matter' that might not exist.

People also ask

Are wormholes real?
They're allowed by the math of general relativity, but none have been found, and it's unknown whether they can actually exist or stay open.
Could you travel through a wormhole?
In theory it could be a shortcut across space, but a stable, traversable wormhole would likely need exotic matter we've never seen.
How is a wormhole different from a black hole?
A black hole is a one-way pit nothing escapes; a wormhole is a hypothetical tunnel that could connect two regions with an exit.