A University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) scientist has proposed a “three-dimensional time” theory that replaces the traditional model of one dimension of time and three physical dimensions as the primary fabric of everything.

Unlike previously proposed, purely mathematical ‘3D time’ constructs where space emerges as a secondary manifestation, Professor Gunther Kletetschka at the UAF Geophysical Institute says his theory of everything, which could unify quantum physics and gravity, is testable and verifiable.

“Earlier 3D time proposals were primarily mathematical constructs without these concrete experimental connections,” Professor Kletetschka explained. “My work transforms the concept from an interesting mathematical possibility into a physically testable theory with multiple independent verification channels.”

Three-Dimensional Time as the Fabric of Everything

Over a century ago, scientists developed the idea of spacetime, where the three dimensions of space, represented by spatial X, Y, and Z axes, and the single dimension of time, often referred to as “the arrow of time,” work together to create the underlying fabric of reality. Although physics theories that use the conventional definition of spacetime have proven adept at explaining much of what we see and experience, scientists still struggle to create a single, unifying theory of everything.

The three-dimensional time model proposed by Kletetschka in Reports in Advances of Physical Sciences seeks to correct this discrepancy by replacing the traditional four dimensions with six combined dimensions of time and space. A statement announcing the published study detailing this new 3D time theory highlights how the concept might differ from traditional spacetime models.

“Imagine you are walking down a straight path, moving forward and therefore experiencing time as we know it,” the statement explains. “Now imagine another path that crosses the first one, going sideways. If you could step onto that sideways path and remain in the same moment of “regular time,” you might find that things could be slightly different — perhaps a different version of the same day.”

In Kletetschka’s theory, this “secondary” path could allow one to explore different outcomes of the same day without moving forward or backward in time on the forward/backward axis. Those alternate outcomes would represent the professor’s second proposed dimension of time. The transition between potential outcomes represents the third dimension.

“These three time dimensions are the primary fabric of everything, like the canvas of a painting,” Kletetschka explained. “Space still exists with its three dimensions, but it’s more like the paint on the canvas rather than the canvas itself.”

Unifying Quantum Physics and Gravity

Kletetschka says his model overcomes several problems faced by the previous three-dimensional time theories based on traditional physics. For example, the multiple time dimensions described in previous models include cause-and-effect relationships that the professor described as potentially ambiguous. Conversely, causes still precede effects in his theory, “just in a more complex mathematical structure.”

Theoretical physicist Itzhak Bars of the University of Southern California and others believe the newly proposed three-dimensional time theory might reveal itself in extremely high-energy environments like the early universe. If confirmed, they also think Kletetschka’s theory could help physicists answer questions “that have stumped scientists.”

Perhaps the most tantalizing aspect of the 3D time theory is its potential to bridge the divide between quantum mechanics and gravity to create one single theory of “quantum gravity.” This idea would unite the four fundamental forces of nature, the force of gravity, electromagnetism, and the strong and weak nuclear forces, into one “theory of everything,” capable of describing the nature of all reality.

Because the professor’s three-dimensional time theory successfully reproduces the known masses of particles such as electrons, muons, and quarks and explains why these particles have these masses, he believes his unconventional approach may be up to the task.

“The path to unification might require fundamentally reconsidering the nature of physical reality itself,” Kletetschka said. “This theory demonstrates how viewing time as three-dimensional can naturally resolve multiple physics puzzles through a single coherent mathematical framework.”