Probability of not entering de Sitter

In summary, the conversation discusses the idea that the universe is currently undergoing accelerated expansion and is heading towards empty de Sitter space. This raises the question of whether this conflicts with the concept of a completely empty universe in the future. The famous physicist Don Page suggests that in an Everett many-worlds interpretation of quantum theory, there will always be some fraction of the universe that persists, although the fraction will decrease asymptotically towards zero. This leads to the question of how different branches of the universe would achieve simultaneous emptying out and what would happen to objects placed in the universe before it enters the empty de Sitter phase. The rate of thermodynamical miracles is thought to asymptotically approach zero as the universe heads towards de Sitter space
  • #1
durant35
292
11
As far as we know, the universe is undergoing accelerated expansion and heading towards empty de Sitter space. It is assumed that eventually the observable universe will be emptied out of matter and all radiation.

Now if we take in account quantum mechanics, there's always non zero probability of a thermodynamical miracle, let's say that a planet with its civilization survives the general death of stars until indefinite future. What's worse, in many worlds interpretation this anomaly will happen.

Famous physicist Don Page [https://arxiv.org/pdf/hep-th/0612137.pdf] wrote this: "Furthermore, in an Everett many-worlds version of quantum theory (e.g., [8]), the universe will always persist in some fraction of the Everett worlds (better, in 4 some measure), but it is just that the fraction or measure will decrease asymptotically toward zero. This means that there is always some positive measure for observers to survive until any arbitrarily late fixed time, so one could never absolutely rule out a decaying universe by observations at any finite time, though sufficiently late ordinary observers would have good statistical grounds for doubting the astronomical decay rate suggested here."Now my question is - does this conflict the hypothesis that the whole universe will eventually empty out? If we take MWI literally, how would different branches achieve simultaneous emptying out which seems necessary, how would those branches with late-universe-structures empty out so that the Universe becomes a dead, empty place? If we imagine an object placed in the universe right before entering de Sitter space, what would happen to it and how would it "escape" the observable universe without delaying its eventual entrance to a empty, de Sitter phase?My take is that the rate of thermodynamical miracles asimptotically decreases to zero while heading to de Sitter, but that's open for further elaboration.

There are many questions here, but I hope the basics are understandable.

Thanks in advance
 
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  • #2
"heading towards empty de Sitter space" and "whole universe will eventually empty out" is not the same.
1/x tends to 0 when x->+infinity, but it never reaches zero.
 

FAQ: Probability of not entering de Sitter

What is the "Probability of not entering de Sitter"?

The "Probability of not entering de Sitter" is a concept in theoretical physics that refers to the likelihood that a universe will not undergo an exponential expansion in its early stages, known as the de Sitter phase.

How is the "Probability of not entering de Sitter" calculated?

The "Probability of not entering de Sitter" is typically calculated using quantum field theory and statistical mechanics principles, taking into account the energy density and cosmological constant of the universe.

What factors influence the "Probability of not entering de Sitter"?

The "Probability of not entering de Sitter" is influenced by several factors, including the initial conditions of the universe, the energy density, and the cosmological constant.

What is the significance of the "Probability of not entering de Sitter" in cosmology?

The "Probability of not entering de Sitter" is significant in cosmology as it helps to understand the early stages of the universe's evolution and can provide insights into the fundamental laws of physics.

Can the "Probability of not entering de Sitter" be measured or observed?

No, the "Probability of not entering de Sitter" cannot be directly measured or observed. It is a theoretical concept used to make predictions about the behavior of the universe in its early stages.

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