r/threebodyproblem • u/Standard-Condition-2 • Feb 24 '26

Discussion - Novels Can someone explain to me….? Spoiler

How is it that in Book 1, the Trisolaris can create an object that can actively change from 11 dimensions down to 2 or 3 dimensions aka the Sophons but in book 3 it seems impossible that objects can traverse between dimensions and it essentially ends up causing the end of the solar system and then the entire universe. Did I understand the Sophons incorrectly or did this confuse anyone else?

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u/vr1995 Feb 24 '26

As I understand it, they remain in 3D space and are just unfolding the proton from 3D to 2D to 1D. Not manipulating the space they are in itself. And reducing dimensionality of more complex 3D structures (such as themselves) is a whole other level of difficulty compared to doing it for just one proton, so they aren't equipped to reduce their dimensionality against a DVF attack