Random Variable
- by John Gribbin
- Short Story
- Science Fiction
- Adults
- Definite Time Travel
- English
Random Variable
by John Gribbin, in Analog, September 1984.
You really have to believe in the Many Worlds Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics to take the leap of faith that Mackenzie took to get a working time machine.
—Michael Main
It’s quite hopeless. At least several million to one. If you hit the calibration just right, then the system ought to work.
Tags
(13)
- Time Periods
- Circa AD 1970 to 1999: Mackenzie’s presumed starting point
- Timeline Models
- Unexplained Timeline Model: Although branching timelines are discussed, they are rooted in quantum mechanics, not time travel. And I didn't spot any actual discussion of a timeline model for time travel.
- Time Travel Methods
- High Speed, Angular Momentum, Gravity, Cosmic Strings, etc. Cause Time Warp: a mini black hole
- Time Probes: into the past only
- Themes
- Copenhagen Interpretation: mentioned
- Many Worlds Interpretation of Quantum Physics: The worlds are called perpendicular to each other, rather than parallel.
- Real-World Tags
- Albert Einstein: mentioned
- Frank Tipler: mentioned
- Hugh Everett: mentioned
- Max Born: mentioned
- Stephen Hawking: mentioned
- Groupings
Variants
(1)
Random Variable
by John Gribbin, in Analog, September 1984.