StarTalk Cosmic Queries: Wormholes, Science, and Religion Explained By Neil Degrasse Tyson.

Wormholes and virtual particles are theoretical concepts that may be connected to the very fabric of spacetime.

*Wormholes:*
Wormholes are theoretical tunnels connecting two different points in spacetime.
They were initially conceived as connections between black holes and white holes, but can exist without these.
Creating a wormhole mathematically involves prying open the fabric of spacetime, which requires a substance with anti-gravity properties.
A wormhole would appear as the same hole no matter what direction it's viewed from.
It is suggested that mini wormholes may be the literal fabric of spacetime itself.

*Virtual Particles:*
Virtual particles are quantum fluctuations that pop in and out of existence in a vacuum.
These particles exist as particle-antiparticle pairs, with an associated energy field called vacuum energy.
There is a theory that virtual particles are connected through quantum entanglement.
The connectivity of these entangled particles might be provided by mini wormholes.

*Spacetime:*
The concept of "nothing" is challenged by the existence of virtual particles and the idea that mini wormholes may be the literal fabric of spacetime.
If the laws of physics still apply in areas of nothingness, then the fabric of spacetime still exists and influences the area.
The idea that mini-wormholes are the fabric of spacetime means that empty space, as a concept, does not exist because space itself is granted existence by these wormholes.

These concepts together suggest a dynamic and interconnected view of spacetime, where wormholes and virtual particles are not just anomalies, but might be fundamental to the structure of the universe.
The discussion in the provided transcript explores several overarching themes that connect science and religion, often focusing on points of overlap, conflict, and areas where one attempts to explain what the other cannot. Here are some of the key themes:

*Awe and Wonder:* Both scientific inquiry and religious experiences can evoke feelings of awe, majesty, and humility in the face of the universe. The speaker describes feeling deeply connected to the cosmos while observing the universe, using vocabulary similar to those describing religious experiences, such as awe and majesty. However, he clarifies that his feelings are rooted in an appreciation of the magnificent universe, not in a belief in God.

*The Limits of Explanation:* A common theme is the human desire to explain the unexplainable. Religious experiences often involve something that cannot be explained. The speaker suggests that his scientific knowledge might prevent him from having religious experiences, because he can often explain phenomena that others might attribute to the divine. He posits that encounters with the inexplicable are more likely to be the discovery of a new law of physics rather than a divine miracle.

*Empirical Evidence vs. Faith:* The discussion highlights a fundamental difference in how science and religion approach truth. **Science relies on data and empirical evidence, while religious faith often relies on personal experience or belief**. The speaker notes that in science, eyewitness accounts are the lowest form of evidence because of the potential for error and misinterpretation. He contrasts this with a need for data.

*The Nature of Reality:* The exploration of nothingness in the context of quantum physics touches on the idea that the very fabric of space and time may be composed of entangled virtual particles connected by mini wormholes. This suggests that what appears to be empty space is actually teeming with activity at a quantum level, a concept that challenges our everyday understanding of reality. This scientific concept can also be viewed as similar to a metaphysical concept of an underlying reality beyond our everyday senses.

*The Role of Curiosity:* The discussion emphasizes the importance of maintaining curiosity, which is presented as fundamental to both scientific discovery and personal growth. Children are described as born curious, and it is suggested that this curiosity should be nurtured rather than squashed. The speaker provides examples of how parents might inadvertently discourage a child's scientific exploration by prioritizing order and practicality over experimentation. The distinction is made between a person who observes a phenomenon and says "I'll never do that again" versus one who says, "I wonder if that happens every time?" suggesting that the latter response is a crucial part of scientific thinking.

*Miracles vs. Natural Laws:* The conversation considers the concept of miracles and whether they are violations of the laws of physics. The example of Jesus walking on water is discussed as something that would either be a miracle that defies physics or possibly something else altogether. The speaker suggests that people have tried to find ways to...