New paper suggests cosmic topology could allow starships to return to starting point
Authors of a 2026 paper in Nature Astronomy discuss how global cosmic shape might create closed loops for travelers.
Current understanding of the cosmos
The prevailing scientific view holds that the universe is flat and extends infinitely in every direction. However, researchers note that global topology could challenge this axiom regarding infinite space.
Implications for long-distance travel
If certain aspects of cosmic topology are true, a starship traveling far enough might return to its origin without time travel. Andrew Jaffe from Imperial College London explains that such a path creates a closed loop rather than a timeline curve.
Properties of nonshrinkable loops
Topology is defined by the existence of nonshrinkable closed loops where distance traveled leads back to the start. The authors state that traveling along such a loop allows one to return to the starting point after moving far enough.
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