Could the Universe Be Much Older Than 13.8 Billion Years?

In summary, the article explores the possibility that the universe may be older than the currently accepted age of 13.8 billion years. It discusses various scientific evidence and theories that challenge this timeframe, including observations of distant galaxies, cosmic microwave background radiation, and the expansion of the universe. The potential implications of an older universe on our understanding of cosmology and the formation of celestial structures are also examined, suggesting that further research and advancements in technology may provide new insights into the true age of the universe.
  • #1
eepshteyn
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We think the age of universe is 13.8 billion years old . I think we are wrong.

Let’s pretend we can go outside of our observable universe. Also, let’s say we can go so far out that we do not even see a spec of light from our universe. We see nothing at all, total darkness. When they finally do see the spec of light it will look like an explosion took place and the universe was born out of nothing. From that perspective, there was nothing, something what looks like an explosion must have taken place, and now a spec of light is getting bigger and bigger. (Big Bang)

From the vantage point of an observer situated far beyond our observable universe, who is not aware of the preceding 13.8 billion years of cosmic history, the sudden appearance of light or a "spec of light" could indeed give the impression of a sudden cosmic event, like an explosion, resulting in the birth of the universe.

In this scenario, the observer might not have the context to understand that the light they are witnessing has been traveling for billions of years before reaching them. Instead, they might interpret it as a contemporary event. This interpretation aligns with the idea that observations are relative and dependent on the observer's frame of reference and knowledge. Without the information about the universe's history, the observer might naturally conclude that they are witnessing the birth of the universe at that moment.

The universe can be 27 trillion years old, and we will never know the true age as we could be the observers who are seeing the light from further away than what our current technology can see.

Am I way off on this?
 
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  • #2
eepshteyn said:
We see nothing at all, total darkness

That is impossible, since universe is assumed to be isotropic and homogenous (on a large scale). You should first learn basics of cosmology before you say something is wrong.
 
  • #3
Welcome to PF.
eepshteyn said:
Am I way off on this?
It is a personal theory. Does it fit all the observations?
How does it explain the red shift of light from the most distant sources visible?

We see the universe in all directions, not arriving from one point.
How can you observe the universe from outside the universe?
The 13.8 billion years age of the universe, is the age of our visible universe.
If we cannot see it, it is not part of our universe.
 
  • #4
The forum rules do not allow discussion of new speculative ideas that have not been published in an appropriate peer-reviewed journal, so this thread is closed.

(We are not deleting it, to preserve the responses already provided).
 
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FAQ: Could the Universe Be Much Older Than 13.8 Billion Years?

What evidence supports the age of the universe being 13.8 billion years?

The age of the universe is determined through several lines of evidence, including measurements of the cosmic microwave background radiation, the expansion rate of the universe (Hubble's Law), and the ages of the oldest known star clusters. These observations are consistent with a universe that is approximately 13.8 billion years old.

Could the universe have existed in a different form before the Big Bang?

Some theories, such as the cyclic model or the concept of a multiverse, suggest that our universe could be part of a larger, older structure. However, these theories are speculative and not yet supported by empirical evidence. The observable universe, as we understand it, began with the Big Bang approximately 13.8 billion years ago.

How do alternative cosmological models impact the estimated age of the universe?

Alternative cosmological models, like those involving modifications to general relativity or different interpretations of dark energy, can propose different timelines for the universe's history. However, these models must still align with observable data, which currently supports an age of 13.8 billion years. Any significant deviation would require substantial evidence and a paradigm shift in our understanding of cosmology.

What role do distant galaxies and quasars play in determining the universe's age?

Distant galaxies and quasars provide important data on the universe's expansion rate and history. By observing their redshifts and distances, scientists can trace the universe's expansion back in time. These observations are consistent with a universe that is 13.8 billion years old, but they also help test and refine our cosmological models.

Can the age of the universe be recalculated with future technological advancements?

Future technological advancements, such as more precise measurements from next-generation telescopes and improved data from cosmic microwave background studies, could refine our understanding of the universe's age. While it is possible that slight adjustments could be made, the current estimate of 13.8 billion years is robust and well-supported by existing evidence.

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