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How to fix the universe: A new model of spacetime, where dark energy, dark matter and time itself are explained.
There’s something very wrong with our universe. Looking out into space, galaxies are mysteriously flying apart, faster and faster. Driven we’re told by a huge, but as yet unexplained force, which physicists have called dark energy. Unfortunately, that is not the end of it. When scientists try to model our galaxies. They find that for the galaxies to exist, in their current form, 85% of all the matter out there is missing too! Unobserved dark matter and dark energy, we are told, make up 95% of all the combined mass and energy in the universe, or the sums simply don’t add up. In short, the universe, or rather our understanding of it, is broken!
This book challenges the conventional view of spacetime and suggest modifications to the currently accepted model, based on simple logic and common sense. No radical new physics, rather a re-positioning of established pieces of the spacetime jigsaw. The conclusions reached, as each piece drops into its new place, will strongly suggest a different picture. One that better fits with observations, yet removes the need for dark matter and dark energy to explain the universe, as we observe it now and throughout its evolution. This alternative model also has an added bonus. It also leads on logically, to a new definition for time itself. I’m a simple man, taking a logical step by step approach. So, no mathematical proofs, just simple logic and deductive reasoning based on observation, interested?
This book challenges the conventional view of spacetime and suggest modifications to the currently accepted model, based on simple logic and common sense. No radical new physics, rather a re-positioning of established pieces of the spacetime jigsaw. The conclusions reached, as each piece drops into its new place, will strongly suggest a different picture. One that better fits with observations, yet removes the need for dark matter and dark energy to explain the universe, as we observe it now and throughout its evolution. This alternative model also has an added bonus. It also leads on logically, to a new definition for time itself. I’m a simple man, taking a logical step by step approach. So, no mathematical proofs, just simple logic and deductive reasoning based on observation, interested?
99 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 26, 2023
6 people are currently reading
560 people want to read
About the author
Malcolm McCoard
13 books46 followersThe author has published several books in the very different genres of YA fantasy and Cosmology and theoretical physics.
The serious stuff first - the author has published 2 works on the nature of time and creation. The first book "How to fix the universe" introduced a radical new explanation for what time is and proposed alternatives to dark matter and dark energy. A second publication titled "Everything" builds on the success of the model and proposes a new big bang theory. One which starts from nothing and doesn't break Einstein's laws of general relativity, unlike the current model.
The accidental author - Malcolm started writing in response to his 8 year old daughter's request when he was making up bedtime stories about dragons and other magical adventures one night. "You have to write that one down daddy!" Maya insisted. Maya then provided illustrations and ideas for the book which incorporates a number of characters based on her close friends and family. The book won the YA category in the 2017 Purple dragonfly book awards.
A series of seven more books followed.
The serious stuff first - the author has published 2 works on the nature of time and creation. The first book "How to fix the universe" introduced a radical new explanation for what time is and proposed alternatives to dark matter and dark energy. A second publication titled "Everything" builds on the success of the model and proposes a new big bang theory. One which starts from nothing and doesn't break Einstein's laws of general relativity, unlike the current model.
The accidental author - Malcolm started writing in response to his 8 year old daughter's request when he was making up bedtime stories about dragons and other magical adventures one night. "You have to write that one down daddy!" Maya insisted. Maya then provided illustrations and ideas for the book which incorporates a number of characters based on her close friends and family. The book won the YA category in the 2017 Purple dragonfly book awards.
A series of seven more books followed.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 8, 2024
Malcom McCoard's 'How to Fix the Universe' is a captivating exploration into the depths of cosmic mysteries and human potential. With meticulous research and thought-provoking insights, McCoard navigates complex concepts with clarity, making the seemingly impossible task of understanding the universe feel within reach. His blend of scientific inquiry and philosophical reflection creates a compelling narrative that challenges readers to contemplate their place in the cosmos. Whether you're a seasoned scholar or a curious novice, this book offers a fascinating journey that will leave you inspired and enlightened.
July 2, 2024
It's A Question of Time
This is my favourite subject - cosmology, space and related topics. The author here is, like many of us, certainly not happy with the Time concept as it stands now. It is the one dimensions that no-one is able to reverse. It only happens in Dr Who or other Sci-fi novels. Foremost that comes to mind is the Pandemic, right? Entire world would just jump at such a chance and have our loved ones back with us.
Time is the one thing that one cannot get around in our heads. The author elaborates on the concept of TDSER, Time Dilated SpaceTime Release. Fascinating, makes more sense truly. Quite delighted to entertain this sensible explanation as it unfolded in his work. SpaceTime is expanding, along with our expanding universe right from the Big Bang. True, agreed. There is more empty space than matter in the universe, and empty space is filled with dark matter. It is strange and incomprehensible that there is more Dark Matter than Matter. But why? Scientists and cosmologists are breaking their heads over it, many schools of thought on it.
At one time there were heated discussions with my family on these issues. Suddenly, my daughter, then doing her GCSE s, convinced us all that Infinity is not really Infinite. That dropped up in my mind when the author derives the same, set off by his daughter too. Daughters are the cleverest on the planet!
TimeSpace are like con-joint twins, perhaps? Reading up more on the Time dimension, the sources are infinite, of course. Recently got a chance to review Time Space in Vedic literature. Deeply attracted to the elaboration there. Just briefly, apparently Time is vastly different in different worlds, speed of Time in space is varied. Many stories abound to illustrate the point. Need more time to expand on it, it is all curiouser and curiouser to say the least. There are many spiritual friends who repeat that there is no Time in Space. Time exists only on Earth. More to explore...
Great read, recommend highly, make Time for it.
This is my favourite subject - cosmology, space and related topics. The author here is, like many of us, certainly not happy with the Time concept as it stands now. It is the one dimensions that no-one is able to reverse. It only happens in Dr Who or other Sci-fi novels. Foremost that comes to mind is the Pandemic, right? Entire world would just jump at such a chance and have our loved ones back with us.
Time is the one thing that one cannot get around in our heads. The author elaborates on the concept of TDSER, Time Dilated SpaceTime Release. Fascinating, makes more sense truly. Quite delighted to entertain this sensible explanation as it unfolded in his work. SpaceTime is expanding, along with our expanding universe right from the Big Bang. True, agreed. There is more empty space than matter in the universe, and empty space is filled with dark matter. It is strange and incomprehensible that there is more Dark Matter than Matter. But why? Scientists and cosmologists are breaking their heads over it, many schools of thought on it.
At one time there were heated discussions with my family on these issues. Suddenly, my daughter, then doing her GCSE s, convinced us all that Infinity is not really Infinite. That dropped up in my mind when the author derives the same, set off by his daughter too. Daughters are the cleverest on the planet!
TimeSpace are like con-joint twins, perhaps? Reading up more on the Time dimension, the sources are infinite, of course. Recently got a chance to review Time Space in Vedic literature. Deeply attracted to the elaboration there. Just briefly, apparently Time is vastly different in different worlds, speed of Time in space is varied. Many stories abound to illustrate the point. Need more time to expand on it, it is all curiouser and curiouser to say the least. There are many spiritual friends who repeat that there is no Time in Space. Time exists only on Earth. More to explore...
Great read, recommend highly, make Time for it.
February 16, 2024
This book proposes a new spacetime model, TDSER. Since I'm not a scientist (amateur, at most), I'm not in a position to endorse nor criticise the theory itself. The author doesn't claim to be a scientist, either, but he does have more background than I do and in any case, it's inspiring to see non-scientists coming up with their own models. It's a fact that science is ever changing, discovering new things, shifting paradigms, finding better explanations, etc. Therefore, I'm always open to seeing new hypothesis, theories or models and I hope that TDSER does get submitted to the scientific community for consideration.
What I can (legitimately) speak on is the way the model is presented: while the correct scientific terms and notions are used all throughout the book, the author uses analogies with everyday situations, such as baloons, puzzles and (my favourite) cakes. It also compares TDSER with existing models and theories (Newton's gravity, Einstein's relativity, the Hubble constant, etc.) and has several helpful illustrations. Towards the end, the depth of it all did start to wear me down, but just then, the author helpfully inserted a "Conclusions" section, summing up everything in a lighter way, also acting as a small refresher. The anexes and addendums at the end were also interesting to read.
On a more personal level, I've always been sad that time travel isn't possible and so far this book is the only one that explains it in a way that brings me some kind of mental closure on the topic.
I have received this book through the kindness of the author via Booktasters, in exchange for my honest opinion on it.
What I can (legitimately) speak on is the way the model is presented: while the correct scientific terms and notions are used all throughout the book, the author uses analogies with everyday situations, such as baloons, puzzles and (my favourite) cakes. It also compares TDSER with existing models and theories (Newton's gravity, Einstein's relativity, the Hubble constant, etc.) and has several helpful illustrations. Towards the end, the depth of it all did start to wear me down, but just then, the author helpfully inserted a "Conclusions" section, summing up everything in a lighter way, also acting as a small refresher. The anexes and addendums at the end were also interesting to read.
On a more personal level, I've always been sad that time travel isn't possible and so far this book is the only one that explains it in a way that brings me some kind of mental closure on the topic.
I have received this book through the kindness of the author via Booktasters, in exchange for my honest opinion on it.
February 11, 2024
Who knew the universe was broken? Quantum physicists, mostly. The universe is flying apart, more rapidly than understood physics say it should be, more rapidly than is possible according to Einsteinian physics. Clearly, something we think is understood isn’t, at least not fully. That’s where McCoard comes in. How to Fix the Universe begins by explaining, starting with the Big Bang, why this rapid expansion isn’t explainable by our current physics.
The book then goes on to explain current theories, including black holes and their influence, as well as where the fourth dimension, time, fits into the arrangement. After that, McCoard introduces a new theory of Spacetime, “Time Dilated Spacetime Energy Release,” or TDSER. This theory explains current spacetime theory but in an unconventional way, done in accordance with established principles. He also cites examples of how the theory would work if and when it IS proven. He also covers the interrelationships between black holes, particle physics, dark matter, and other basics of quantum mechanics.
Before you panic, you do not need to be a credentialed quantum physicist to understand the concepts and explanations provided in the book. McCoard manages, without “dumbing down” the concepts or vocabulary, to explain clearly for the layman interested in physics and the birth of the universe. A hearty curiosity and an open mind are all you really need to enjoy and learn from McCoard’s insightful and well-written book.
The book then goes on to explain current theories, including black holes and their influence, as well as where the fourth dimension, time, fits into the arrangement. After that, McCoard introduces a new theory of Spacetime, “Time Dilated Spacetime Energy Release,” or TDSER. This theory explains current spacetime theory but in an unconventional way, done in accordance with established principles. He also cites examples of how the theory would work if and when it IS proven. He also covers the interrelationships between black holes, particle physics, dark matter, and other basics of quantum mechanics.
Before you panic, you do not need to be a credentialed quantum physicist to understand the concepts and explanations provided in the book. McCoard manages, without “dumbing down” the concepts or vocabulary, to explain clearly for the layman interested in physics and the birth of the universe. A hearty curiosity and an open mind are all you really need to enjoy and learn from McCoard’s insightful and well-written book.
November 12, 2023
This was, in some ways, quite a complicated read, but a very interesting one. Very thought-provoking too.
The content of this book seemed to resonate with me, as I recently had a conversation with a friend, in which my friend suggested that "the universe tries to tell us things". My friend and I had quite a lengthy discussion about it. This led me to think about the universe, and what it might be trying to tell us, if anything.
Reading this piqued my curiosity about the universe, which I think is something that may never fully understand. While I was reading, there were moments when I simply stopped to think, or stopped to look around me, or stopped to think about the present moment. We may not have time in our everyday lives, to wonder about the universe, but a book like this one could help us to appreciate its complexity, and how wonderful it is.
The content of this book seemed to resonate with me, as I recently had a conversation with a friend, in which my friend suggested that "the universe tries to tell us things". My friend and I had quite a lengthy discussion about it. This led me to think about the universe, and what it might be trying to tell us, if anything.
Reading this piqued my curiosity about the universe, which I think is something that may never fully understand. While I was reading, there were moments when I simply stopped to think, or stopped to look around me, or stopped to think about the present moment. We may not have time in our everyday lives, to wonder about the universe, but a book like this one could help us to appreciate its complexity, and how wonderful it is.
March 30, 2023
What exactly is time? Why can nothing move faster than the speed of light? What is creating the new spacetime to explain our universe expanding at a rate faster than the speed of light?
A new theory of spacetime proposes answers to these fundamental questions; one which uses Einstein's theories of relativity to explain the true nature of time, why it flows and is relative to your speed. It also explains why we don't need to invent a universe composed of 95% unexplained dark energy and unseen dark matter either. in order to explain the universe, we’ve observed since the big bang.
A new theory of spacetime proposes answers to these fundamental questions; one which uses Einstein's theories of relativity to explain the true nature of time, why it flows and is relative to your speed. It also explains why we don't need to invent a universe composed of 95% unexplained dark energy and unseen dark matter either. in order to explain the universe, we’ve observed since the big bang.
November 4, 2023
If this was accurate, it would have undergone peer review, been published in the most influential scientific journals, presented at international science conferences, and likely win a Nobel Prize. The author would be hailed as a hero and genius, awarded honorary degrees, invited to professor positions. Science as we know it would change.
There's a reason none of the above happened, and it isn't because of Big Physics keeping it hidden.
This book is the embodiment of the Dunning-Kruger effect.
There's a reason none of the above happened, and it isn't because of Big Physics keeping it hidden.
This book is the embodiment of the Dunning-Kruger effect.
March 26, 2024
Terribly written.
Instead of trying to cover many topics this book would have been better if it actually described or explained things. This is written for the people that have degrees or great understanding of astrophysics, but is completely unrelatable for the average person.
#GoodreadsGiveaways
Instead of trying to cover many topics this book would have been better if it actually described or explained things. This is written for the people that have degrees or great understanding of astrophysics, but is completely unrelatable for the average person.
#GoodreadsGiveaways
January 4, 2024
The book was actually fairly enjoyable. It covered a lot of interesting theories regarding spacetime. However, it loses a point because I don't think this book is approachable for people who aren't already interested in these topics. The phrasing in this book is not suitable for a layman.
February 7, 2024
This was, in some ways, quite a complicated read, but a very interesting as well.... I couldn't understand some parts but it's too interesting and good thing is that it's short and beautiful.. and how wonderful it is.
November 10, 2023
Occasionally, you run into books that hold your interest and make you think. As you step back and ponder that phenomenon, you realize that this is really an odd combination and the two aspects just mentioned (hold your interest, make you think) are often mutually exclusive. I recall another such book, entitled A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeleine L'Engle, which proposed that the shortest distance between two points is not necessarily a straight line - a wrinkle can be induced into that straight line, which makes the line shorter. The concepts introduced in How to Fix the Universe are more complex than those dealt with by L'Engle - this book is sort of a clever, amateurish breakdown of quantum mechanics. Here is the author's characterization, and I think it's fair - "Being totally unqualified as a theoretical physicist, (the author) is paradoxically uniquely qualified to ask the really stupid questions and come to strange and unusual conclusions."
Here are a few of the concepts. Time has a dimension. Energy is constantly being released in a process which started with some sort of big bang and is being aided along by exploding supernovas (this theory is preferable to the author over the more universally accepted supposition of unidentified "dark matter" and "dark energy"), in a process which the author has called time dilated spacetime energy release (TDSER) The sense we have of the passage of time is set by this energy release, and is related to the speed of light. Eventually, the universe will stop expanding and, optimistically, we will experience another big bang. In the meantime, our sense of the passage of time is calibrated by the formula time sensed equals actual time divided by the square root of 1 minus velocity squared divided by the speed of light squared.
Whew!
This book is not for the faint of heart, but the whimsy helps. Interspersed among the theories are observations such as "To be fair to my wife, which is not something that comes naturally to me" and "I promise to be less brutal from now on."
Author Malcolm McCoard would be a fascinating dinner guest.
Here are a few of the concepts. Time has a dimension. Energy is constantly being released in a process which started with some sort of big bang and is being aided along by exploding supernovas (this theory is preferable to the author over the more universally accepted supposition of unidentified "dark matter" and "dark energy"), in a process which the author has called time dilated spacetime energy release (TDSER) The sense we have of the passage of time is set by this energy release, and is related to the speed of light. Eventually, the universe will stop expanding and, optimistically, we will experience another big bang. In the meantime, our sense of the passage of time is calibrated by the formula time sensed equals actual time divided by the square root of 1 minus velocity squared divided by the speed of light squared.
Whew!
This book is not for the faint of heart, but the whimsy helps. Interspersed among the theories are observations such as "To be fair to my wife, which is not something that comes naturally to me" and "I promise to be less brutal from now on."
Author Malcolm McCoard would be a fascinating dinner guest.
February 16, 2024
Excellent! Total mind-bender! Thank you for your alternate theories.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews