Science fiction stories often include discussions of wormholes. But what exactly is a wormhole anyway? One possible definition comes from Wikipedia:
A wormhole is a hypothetical structure connecting disparate points in spacetime, and is based on a special solution of the Einstein field equations. A wormhole can be visualized as a tunnel with two ends at separate points in spacetime.
Wormholes are shortcuts in spacetime, popular with science fiction authors and movie directors. They’ve never been seen, but according to Einstein’s general theory of relativity, they might exist.
In terms of a Cepheus Engine or Traveller game they have some interesting uses. Anything that allows travel across galaxies and universes at speeds faster than jump technology would allow creates fantastic possibilities. One could find a new sector to explore which might be on the far side of the universe. This sector might only be temporarily available as the wormhole could collapse at any time. New worlds, new aliens and new life forms might be discovered during the interim.
Perhaps a wormhole could even take one back in time. Even more fantastic….perhaps it could take one into the future as well. Who knows?
Keep in mind….a Wormhole might be a two way street. Who might be coming from the other side to visit your sector? Explorers, raiders or someone else?
