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Visualizing Four Dimensions in Special and General Relativity

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Handbook of the Mathematics of the Arts and Sciences

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Abstract

Modern physics unfolds on the stage of four-dimensional spacetime. Grappling with century-old ideas of space and time, Albert Einstein revolutionized our understanding of the cosmos by merging space and time into a four-dimensional entity that takes an active role in shaping the laws of physics. While experiments have repeatedly confirmed Einstein’s theories, the abstract character of this physical knowledge contradicts the common sense of many. Based on the physics of relativity and the mathematics of differential geometry, scientists have developed visualizations and representations of spacetime to make Einstein’s ideas more intelligible. This chapter explores the links between the mathematics of space and time and our historic struggle to visualize these concepts. Technology serves as the lens to unpack the fruitful interplay between mathematics, physics, and arts that has shaped our understanding of spacetime. Linking mathematical concepts with physical intuition and artistic vision, imaginative thinkers developed representations that led from simple spacetime diagrams and analogies to powerful numerical simulations and virtual environments that allow exploring the extreme physics of black holes and gravitational waves. Visualizations of spacetime continue to be an active field of research that is driven by interdisciplinary efforts to understand the cosmos.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physics, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway

    Magdalena Kersting

  2. ARC Centre of Excellence OzGrav, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Australia

    Magdalena Kersting

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  1. Magdalena Kersting
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Correspondence to Magdalena Kersting .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA

    Bharath Sriraman

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Kersting, M. (2021). Visualizing Four Dimensions in Special and General Relativity. In: Sriraman, B. (eds) Handbook of the Mathematics of the Arts and Sciences. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-57072-3_120

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