Can Citizen Science Lead to Breakthroughs in Unifying Gravity?

[syfry]

How did you find PF?

Friend recommended

Hi, I'm a fan of science with an oddball quest to test how everyday people can contribute creatively so scientists will leap forward in a major area such as unifying gravity, which has eluded us for over a hundred years.

If we everyday people were to help by making the models more visual (with doodles and animations that are mathematically accurate) and by bringing a fresh perspective, then scientists might crack the case ever faster.

This is really a test of Einstein's view that imagination is more important than knowledge in making such breakthroughs.

Gonna save the discussion on that for outside the forums. However, if you're the type of science or maths person who's into improv comedy and recognize its value for exploring ideas, then please reach out.

 

[PeroK]

You could have each scientist with a theory on quantum gravity to step up in front of the American's Got Talent audience and whoever gets voted through has the winning theory!

 

[syfry]

You could have each scientist with a theory on quantum gravity to step up in front of the American's Got Talent audience and whoever gets voted through has the winning theory!

Haha, no.

Everyday people get guidance as they gather clues like detectives, as they illustrate or animate to make visible any models and hypothesis.

Mathematicians will double check that each of the visuals is mathematically sound.

Simulation makers will run each through a physics engine for potential insights.

Scientists will test each hypothesis and hopefully with their existing knowledge can spot an avenue into a breakthrough.

Science communicators will translate what scientists say for the laypeople in audience.

We'll gather as avatars in a 3D chat room with virtual screens and such.

But at no point would the audience ever decide what's a 'winning' theory! That would be for scientists in general to determine by real experiment. (hopefully by open experiment in a similar manner)

 

[PeroK]

If you'd taken that approach with COVID, you'd still be waiting for a vaccine. Science is about hard graft. Seriously hard graft. Not a bunch of high school drop outs sitting in a room doodling!

 

[phinds]

If you'd taken that approach with COVID, you'd still be waiting for a vaccine. Science is about hard graft. Seriously hard graft. Not a bunch of high school drop outs sitting in a room doodling!

 

[berkeman]

Okie dokie, it's time to tie off this New Member Introduction thread.

Hi, I'm a fan of science with an oddball quest to test how everyday people can contribute creatively so scientists will leap forward in a major area such as unifying gravity, which has eluded us for over a hundred years.

Here is an Insights Article that should help you to understand some of the difficulties with your dream approach: https://www.physicsforums.com/insights/wont-look-new-theory/

Gonna save the discussion on that for outside the forums.

Perfect. That is the best approach. Treat PF as your mainstream science learning resource, and other forums for your creative personal speculation posts. Have a nice day.