Eternity's Big Bounce: What Do You Think?

  • Thread starter Dionysos25
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Bounce
In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of a cyclic universe and the idea that it may unfold in the same way every time for eternity. There are questions about how to differentiate this from a one-shot universe and the philosophical implications of living the same life infinitely. It is suggested that quantum-scale uncertainties can account for slight variations in each cycle, rather than an external influence.
  • #1
Dionysos25
1
0
I was just thinking about this the other day and wanted to run it by someone.. what do you think about there being a big bounce, and for the universe to unfold exactly the same way, every time for eternity? e.g. I've lived this life infinite times.. and will infinitely more.. Wouldn't any big bounce theory have this as a logical result? For it to happen differently every time, wouldn't there have to be some sort of an influence outside of the universe?
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
  • #2
Welcome to PF;
You seem to be talking about a cyclic Universe which evolves exactly the same way on each cycle.
In which case, how would you tell the difference between this and a one-shot Universe?

There are also philosophic questions about the "you" that lives each identical life ... as well as the problem of free-will.

For a cyclic universe to evolve differently each time would require only small variations in the initial conditions on each cycle. This is amply provided for in quantum-scale uncertainties. There is no need to postulate some external force or being ... which would, anyway, beg the question of how that force or being got it's ability to "decide" to change things for each cycle.
 

FAQ: Eternity's Big Bounce: What Do You Think?

What is "Eternity's Big Bounce"?

"Eternity's Big Bounce" is a scientific theory proposed by theoretical physicist Roger Penrose. It suggests that our universe goes through cycles of expansion and contraction, with each cycle lasting trillions of years. This theory is based on the idea of conformal cyclic cosmology, which proposes that the universe has no beginning or end but exists infinitely in a series of cycles.

How does the Big Bounce theory differ from the Big Bang theory?

The Big Bang theory states that the universe began with a massive explosion, while the Big Bounce theory suggests that the universe has no beginning and has been cycling through periods of expansion and contraction for eternity. Additionally, the Big Bounce theory incorporates the concept of conformal cyclic cosmology, which explains how the universe can expand and contract infinitely.

What evidence supports the Big Bounce theory?

One piece of evidence that supports the Big Bounce theory is the cosmic microwave background (CMB) radiation, which is leftover radiation from the Big Bang. The CMB has been found to have a faint circular pattern, which could be a remnant of a previous universe that collapsed and bounced back. Additionally, the observation of dark energy, which is thought to be responsible for the current accelerating expansion of the universe, aligns with the predictions of the Big Bounce theory.

Can the Big Bounce theory be tested?

Currently, there is no way to directly test the Big Bounce theory, as it is based on mathematical equations and theoretical concepts. However, scientists are working on ways to potentially observe the remnants of previous universes in the cosmic microwave background and other forms of radiation. Further research and advancements in technology may one day allow for more concrete testing of this theory.

What are the implications of the Big Bounce theory?

If the Big Bounce theory is proven to be true, it would fundamentally change our understanding of the universe. It would mean that our universe is part of a larger cycle of expansion and contraction, and that there is no true beginning or end. It also raises questions about the existence of other universes and the possibility of multiple cycles happening simultaneously. Additionally, the Big Bounce theory could potentially provide a solution to the problem of the singularity, which is the point where the laws of physics break down in the Big Bang theory.

Similar threads

Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
8K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
14
Views
4K
Back
Top