http://www.newscientistspace.com/ar...verse-can-explain-cosmological-constant.html"A cyclic universe, which bounces through a series of big bangs and "big crunches", could solve the puzzle of our cosmological constant, physicists suggest.
The cosmological constant represents the energy of empty space, and is thought to be the most likely explanation for the observed speeding up of the expansion of the universe. But its measured value is a googol (1 followed by 100 zeroes) times smaller than that predicted by particle physics theories. It is a discrepancy that gives cosmologists a real headache.
A cyclic universe is a theoretical model of the universe in which the universe undergoes an infinite number of cycles of expansion and contraction. This model proposes that the universe is constantly repeating itself, with each cycle beginning and ending with a Big Bang event.
The cosmological constant is a value that describes the energy density of empty space, and it is responsible for the accelerating expansion of the universe. In a cyclic universe, the constant expansion and contraction of the universe can balance out the effects of the cosmological constant, allowing for a stable and cyclical universe.
Currently, there is no direct evidence to support the idea of a cyclic universe. However, some theories and observations, such as the observed flatness of the universe and the cosmic microwave background radiation, are consistent with the cyclic universe model.
No, the cyclic universe model does not necessarily contradict the Big Bang theory. In fact, the cyclic universe model can be seen as an extension or refinement of the Big Bang theory, as it proposes that the universe has undergone multiple cycles of expansion and contraction rather than just one initial Big Bang event.
The 'cyclic universe' model differs from other theories, such as the steady-state theory or the inflationary universe theory, in that it proposes a cyclical nature to the universe rather than a linear or constant expansion. Additionally, the cyclic universe model does not require the existence of a singularity or initial state, unlike the Big Bang theory.