Big Bang Skeptic: Constructing a Ring-like Universe

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around an alternative model to the Big Bang theory, proposing a ring-like structure of the universe. Participants explore the implications of this model, its feasibility, and its relation to existing cosmological theories.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests constructing a model of the universe as a ring, with gravity at the center, questioning why this idea is not more widely discussed.
  • Another participant argues that the universe appears the same in all directions, implying that a ring model would not accurately represent the observed isotropy of the universe.
  • Some participants note that distant galaxies are observed as they were in the past due to the finite speed of light, and that this complicates the understanding of distances in cosmology.
  • There is a mention of a common misconception regarding the Big Bang, clarifying that it did not occur at a single point but rather everywhere simultaneously.
  • One participant expresses a desire for more focus on practical applications of scientific knowledge, such as improving quality of life and health.
  • Another participant acknowledges a misunderstanding of the Big Bang theory and expresses intent to further study the topic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach consensus on the validity of the ring model as an alternative to the Big Bang theory. Multiple competing views are presented, particularly regarding the structure and distribution of galaxies in the universe.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights limitations in understanding cosmological models, including the dependence on definitions of distance and time in the context of an expanding universe. Some assumptions about gravitational effects and galaxy distribution are also noted but remain unresolved.

dthomass
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as alternative to the big bang, let's construct an arc from the farthest points of the discernible universe such that the universe now has the appearance of a ring, like those Saturn. Now all parts of the universe move exactly as they do now about gravity at the center of the ring. Why is this model not discussed?
Of course, I have not studied the Universe except an occasional viewing of the Science (or other) Channel.
Thanks for the help.
 
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dthomass, Welcome to Physics Forums!

Your model for an alternative to the Big Bang theory would need to be a lot more detailed before anyone could seriously consider it to be a possible theory.

May I suggest you start by studying (textbooks, scientific papers, higher math) first to learn exactly what the BB theory describes, and second, some of the already-thought-of alternative theories? Now, if you started with those clearly in mind then you might possibly construct a new theory in enough detail to get the attention of real cosmologists.

A "ring like around Saturn" just does not describe too much useful information. Do continue your study of this difficult issue...you will learn a lot and one day you just may propose some really important alternate theory!

Cheers,
Bobbywhy
 
Your response would be inspiring if I had the intellectual where-with-all to go there. I imaging the answer has been given many times yet I didn't see it in the frequently asked questions. I’ve watched the description of the Big Bang an don’t disagree that it is plausible. Since thinking makes my brain hurt I’ll just let this one go. Thank you for your thoughtful reply.
 
dthomass said:

as alternative to the big bang, let's construct an arc from the farthest points of the discernible universe such that the universe now has the appearance of a ring, like those Saturn. Now all parts of the universe move exactly as they do now about gravity at the center of the ring. Why is this model not discussed?...


Because the distant universe is the same in all directions, not just in one plane. You would get a sphere rather than a ring and you don't have stable orbits on the axis of rotation.
 
Keep in mind that distant parts of the universe are distant in time, not space.
 
Chronos said:
Keep in mind that distant parts of the universe are distant in time, not space.

When we say a galaxy is 4 bly away, we understand that light took 4by to reach us and therefore we are seeing it as it was 4by ago, but at the same time, the distance between us is now much more than 4 bly (due to expansion of space). I could not understand your comment Chronos, can you please explain what do you mean to say that?
 
dthomass said:
as alternative to the big bang, let's construct an arc from the farthest points of the discernible universe such that the universe now has the appearance of a ring, like those Saturn.


Because, in this model, shouldn't see galaxies evenly distributed and you do.

One of the basic observations about the universe is that it looks the same in different directions.
 
manojr said:
When we say a galaxy is 4 bly away, we understand that light took 4by to reach us and therefore we are seeing it as it was 4by ago, but at the same time, the distance between us is now much more than 4 bly (due to expansion of space). I could not understand your comment Chronos, can you please explain what do you mean to say that?
The point is that by the time we receive a message from a distant astronomer, we will also be able to see the light that observer is commenting upon.
 
twofish-quant said:
Because, in this model, shouldn't see galaxies evenly distributed and you do.

One of the basic observations about the universe is that it looks the same in different directions.

I probably should let this question die, but cannot help going just a bit more.
Gravity, here on earth, seems to have a compatible relationship with things that need even distribution.
I would expect that the universe would look the same from different directions and not sure why this would explain my question.
I suppose that even if the Big Bang was the beginning, all created from it (our universe) could be in rotation around a central point (super-duper black hole?)
Yesterday, I had 10 hours or more of "The Universe" playing all day and astounded by our knowledge. I think it’s enough. We could have a better world in relatively short time If we could redirect 3/4 of these great thinkers to commit to 'how to help us live longer' and 'how to prevent disease.’
 
  • #10
Common misconception: the Big Bang occurred at a single point in space and everything exploded around that. Per the current Big Bang Theory, it occurred everywhere at the same time. Maybe you should read Phinds's website on the Balloon Analogy: https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=602569
 
  • #11
Whovian said:
Common misconception: the Big Bang occurred at a single point in space and everything exploded around that. Per the current Big Bang Theory, it occurred everywhere at the same time. Maybe you should read Phinds's website on the Balloon Analogy


Okay, you got me - I have misunderstood the "big bang." You're right, I should read Phinds's work.
 
  • #12
dthomass said:
Whovian said:
Common misconception: the Big Bang occurred at a single point in space and everything exploded around that. Per the current Big Bang Theory, it occurred everywhere at the same time. Maybe you should read Phinds's website on the Balloon Analogy


Okay, you got me - I have misunderstood the "big bang." You're right, I should read Phinds's work.

If you want to, it's at

www.phinds.com/balloonanalogy
 
  • #13
phinds said:
dthomass said:
If you want to, it's at


Thanks!
 

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