The discussion centers on the concept that quantum tunneling may lead to a new Big Bang following the heat death of the universe. Participants highlight that while the second law of thermodynamics suggests entropy increases, quantum fluctuations can result in localized reductions of entropy, potentially creating conditions for a new universe. Key points include the notion that the initial seed for this event could be smaller than a proton, and that general relativity's treatment of energy is ambiguous, complicating the understanding of such phenomena. The conversation also suggests that studying cosmic inflation is essential for grasping these concepts.
PREREQUISITESAstronomers, physicists, cosmologists, and anyone interested in the theoretical underpinnings of the universe's origins and the implications of quantum mechanics on cosmological events.
The initial seed would be smaller than a proton. You don't need much of any mass (neither mass nor energy are conserved in an expanding universe).goat-on-a-stick said:
I saw a discussion about the origin of the universe on Youtube once, I think it was an Issac Asimov debate, but not sure. From it, my understanding is that tiny pockets of empty space can just form out of the laws of quantum physics, and that the mathematics of general relativity say that completely empty space has an outward pressure and will expand rapidly. Rapidly expanding space is thought to create intense Hawking radiation which fills it with energy.goat-on-a-stick said:
I thought that the seed would have exactly zero energy?Chalnoth said:
That's not entirely clear. Maybe. It depends a bit upon how you define energy (General Relativity doesn't have an unambiguous definition for total energy, and in a lot of situations it's not even possible to come up with a definition of total energy).newjerseyrunner said: