Miscellaneous
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Teleportation?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

“Beam me up, Scotty,” may be one of the most recognizable phrases of the first Star Trek series. The phrase refers to the Star Trek world’s use of the concept of teleportation. Tele (Greek) and portare (Latin), become teleport and translate as to move or carry a thing a distance. In Star Trek Earth had evolved this technology of being able to move both objects and people fairly long distances.

Gene Rodenberry was merely building on concepts that already existed, with the word first coined by Charles Fort in the 1930s. He used the term to describe the sudden and strange appearance of unexplained things like crop circles or a rain of frogs. Fort believed that such phenomena was due to teleportation, though his findings are often disputed and there has been some scientific explanation for certain things he ascribed to teleportation.

Teleportation is sometimes used to explain rains of frogs.
Teleportation is sometimes used to explain rains of frogs.

The idea of teleportation has been one used in science fiction, and also been the subject of many claims throughout history. In particular, incidents like the one involving Sister Mary Agreda, became used as evidence that teleportation existed. In the 17th century, this nun claimed that while deep in prayer, in Spain, she ended up in New Mexico and brought Christianity to the Indian tribes there. Strangely enough, when Spain did discover Native American tribes they were familiar with Christianity, lending credence to Sister Mary’s story. However, many such stories have been hoaxes, and there are certainly other explanations than Sister Mary’s.

The concept of teleportation was utilized in Star Trek.
The concept of teleportation was utilized in Star Trek.

In science, teleportation has been of vast interest. While we’re by no means ready to “beam” any person, anywhere in the near future, physicists have made some breakthroughs in this area. In 2002, scientists at the Australian National University were able to successfully teleport a laser beam a few feet. Two years later, scientists in both Austria and the US were each able to teleport a few ions. In Denmark in 2006, a multi-atom, a very tiny object, was moved half a meter.

There are essentially two types of teleportation being researched. Exact teleportation means an exact object in its original form is removed from one spot and appears in another. You can also inexactly transport an object, by encoding all data about its components and reproducing it elsewhere.

We are still far removed from teleporting anything as large as a human, or any type of animal given the billions of atoms involved. But the matter remains one of interest to science fiction writers and scientists alike. The potential, especially for recreating an object of all its constituent parts, is quite fascinating. For instance, in Star Trek teleporting could be a way to fix genetic code problems, remove diseases, or even lose weight, because it involves reconstructing the person at the smaller than atomic level.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent WiseGEEK contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent WiseGEEK contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon19665

I didn't describe that what I've experience like that. Is that a teleportation or OOBE (Out Of Body Experience)?In 2006, I was exhausted and sleeping in my bed at the afternoon. While I'm sleeping, I've awakened suddenly. So I woke up and walked from my bed room to dining room for drinking water. While I'm walking, I'm reminded that what i a slept in bed. At this time, I heard that the keen sound with a lower tone. And then, the brightening light (like a cocoon)

pulling from my back. I didn't move at all and my hands are tensed and pulled back. I felt my body was shaking up. At this time a didn't knew at all. I was unconscious at the time. And then I got back at my bed again. I really don't know what's that matter? How do you think that?

Pleased reply to me!

anon14580

I believe that teleportation has been around for centuries, people having the natural ability. Psychics. Do you think they're real? Or mere imagination? People making up stories like that?!?! Ha! People saying or knowing stuff before it happens? Me? I believe! Nothings impossible with a little faith, effort, and belief in your self. After all..."The sky's the limit"...

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Teleportation is sometimes used to explain rains of frogs.
      By: andrewburgess
      Teleportation is sometimes used to explain rains of frogs.
    • The concept of teleportation was utilized in Star Trek.
      By: pop culture geek
      The concept of teleportation was utilized in Star Trek.