A novel postulation from Gunther Kletetschka, a scientist at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, suggests that time possesses not one, but three dimensions, fundamentally altering our perception of reality as a continuous, unidirectional flow, with space subsequently emerging as a derivative construct.
Time, rather than the conventional spacetime continuum, may serve as the foundational substrate for all physical occurrences. Image attribution: M. Weiss / Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.
“These tri-dimensional temporal aspects constitute the primordial framework of existence, akin to the foundational canvas upon which an artistic masterpiece is rendered,” stated Dr. Kletetschka.
“While spatial dimensions, numbering three, remain relevant, they function more as the applied medium of the artwork rather than its underlying structure.”
“This perspective represents a significant departure from established physical paradigms, which posit that reality is composed of a singular temporal dimension interwoven with three spatial dimensions.”
“This integrated concept, known as spacetime, conceptualized over a century ago, treats temporal and spatial aspects as an indivisible entity.”
Dr. Kletetschka’s formulated mathematical construct, encompassing a total of six dimensions—a synthesis of temporal and spatial aspects—holds the potential to bring researchers closer to formulating a singular, unifying theory of the cosmos.
Comprehending temporal dimensions beyond our quotidian experience of linear progression presents considerable conceptual challenges, leading theoretical physicists to propose numerous theoretical models.
This latest research contributes to an ongoing corpus of work by theoretical physicists operating outside the mainstream of conventional physics.
“Previous conceptualizations of three-dimensional time were largely abstract mathematical constructs, lacking tangible empirical validation,” Dr. Kletetschka elaborated.
“My research elevates this concept from a purely theoretical curiosity to a rigorously verifiable theory, supported by multiple independent avenues for empirical confirmation.”
“This theoretical framework could facilitate the prediction of currently unknown subatomic particle characteristics, contribute to elucidating the genesis of mass, and ultimately, assist in resolving one of the most profound enigmas in physics.”
The notion of three-dimensional time posits that time, analogous to space, features multiple independent vectors of progression—typically envisioned as three axes of temporal movement, conceptually parallel to the spatial X, Y, and Z axes.
Envision yourself traversing a linear path, advancing forward and thereby experiencing time in its conventional manifestation. Now, contemplate an intersecting path oriented perpendicularly, extending laterally.
Should you be able to transition to this lateral path while remaining within the same chronological moment of standard time, you might observe subtle divergences in circumstances—perhaps a variant iteration of that same day.
Navigating this perpendicular secondary axis could afford the exploration of alternative outcomes for that day, without necessitating backward or forward displacement in our familiar temporal sense.
The existence of these divergent possible outcomes constitutes the second temporal dimension. The mechanism enabling transit between these distinct outcomes represents the third temporal dimension.
“This theoretical construct circumvents certain inherent difficulties encountered in earlier proposals for three-dimensional time, which were predicated on classical physics principles,” Dr. Kletetschka observed.
“Those prior theories, for instance, often depicted multiple temporal dimensions where the integrity of cause-and-effect relationships could be compromised.”
“The current theoretical framework preserves the precedence of causes over their effects, even within a multi-dimensional temporal framework, albeit through a more sophisticated mathematical architecture.”
Within the construct of three-dimensional time, some researchers, most notably theoretical physicist Itzhak Bars of the University of Southern California, propose that the secondary and tertiary dimensions manifest, or unfold, under conditions of extreme energy densities, such as those present during the nascent stages of the universe or within high-energy particle collisions.
This innovative theoretical approach may even offer a pathway toward resolving the most formidable challenge in contemporary physics: the unification of quantum mechanics—the description of subatomic particle behavior—with gravity into a singular quantum gravitational theory.
A comprehensive quantum theory of gravity could potentially evolve into, or serve as, a grand unified theory of the universe—the so-called theory of everything.
Such an elusive, all-encompassing theory would serve to harmonize the four fundamental forces governing nature: electromagnetism, the strong nuclear force, the weak nuclear force, and gravity.
The Standard Model of particle physics successfully integrates the first three forces. Gravity, conversely, is explained through Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity.
The inherent incompatibility between these two frameworks has spurred physicists’ sustained pursuit of a unified theory that bridges them. Ascertaining the origin of particle mass is a pivotal element in this endeavor.
Dr. Kletetschka posits that his theory of three-dimensional time can provide crucial insights.
The elaborated framework not only accurately replicates the empirically determined masses of fundamental particles like electrons, muons, and quarks but also elucidates the underlying reasons for these specific mass values.
“The trajectory toward unification may necessitate a fundamental re-evaluation of the very nature of physical reality,” Dr. Kletetschka contended.
“This theory demonstrates how conceptualizing time as having three dimensions can organically resolve a multiplicity of physics-related quandaries within a single, cohesive mathematical system.”
His research article has been disseminated in the esteemed journal Reports in Advances of Physical Science.
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Gunther Kletetschka. 2025. Three-Dimensional Time: A Mathematical Framework for Fundamental Physics. Reports in Advances of Physical Sciences 9: 2550004; doi: 10.1142/S2424942425500045
