The Xi Effect
Encyclopedia
The Xi Effect is a science fiction
short story by astronomer and author Robert S. Richardson
(as (Philip Latham).
It was published first in 1950 in Analog
After listening to a talk by a brilliant but eccentric cosmologist, Dr Karl Gustav Friedmann, they realise that his theory about the so-called Xi Effect may explain their observations. The Effect postulates a vastly higher order of space-time called Xi-space, which has altered, causing slowly increasing effects on the local universe
. These effects will cause galaxies to collapse and shrink rather than recede as they normally do.
Eventually, the theory is proven as it becomes fact, and the shrinkage become measurable. Electromagnetic radiation
is progressively eliminated and even colours begin to disappear. Darkness falls upon the Earth and there is total panic.
The story bears some resemblance to Isaac Asimov's short story Nightfall.
Science fiction
Science fiction is a genre of fiction dealing with imaginary but more or less plausible content such as future settings, futuristic science and technology, space travel, aliens, and paranormal abilities...
short story by astronomer and author Robert S. Richardson
Robert S. Richardson
Robert Shirley Richardson was an American astronomer, born in Indiana. He also published science fiction using the pseudonym Philip Latham.-Bibliography:* The Xi Effect, 1950...
(as (Philip Latham).
It was published first in 1950 in Analog
Plot
Two astrophysicists, Stoddard and Arnold, are having trouble with solar infra-red observations; they find that some wavelengths have simply disappeared. Many radio transmissions have also vanished from the airwaves.After listening to a talk by a brilliant but eccentric cosmologist, Dr Karl Gustav Friedmann, they realise that his theory about the so-called Xi Effect may explain their observations. The Effect postulates a vastly higher order of space-time called Xi-space, which has altered, causing slowly increasing effects on the local universe
Universe
The Universe is commonly defined as the totality of everything that exists, including all matter and energy, the planets, stars, galaxies, and the contents of intergalactic space. Definitions and usage vary and similar terms include the cosmos, the world and nature...
. These effects will cause galaxies to collapse and shrink rather than recede as they normally do.
Eventually, the theory is proven as it becomes fact, and the shrinkage become measurable. Electromagnetic radiation
Radiation
In physics, radiation is a process in which energetic particles or energetic waves travel through a medium or space. There are two distinct types of radiation; ionizing and non-ionizing...
is progressively eliminated and even colours begin to disappear. Darkness falls upon the Earth and there is total panic.
The story bears some resemblance to Isaac Asimov's short story Nightfall.
Sources, references
- The Golden Age of Science Fiction, an anthology edited by Kingsley Amis