Is the universe slowly freezing or experiencing a hot big bang?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the comparison between the hot big bang model and a slow freeze model of the universe's evolution, as presented by C. Wetterich in the paper "Hot big bang or slow freeze?" submitted on January 21, 2014. The slow freeze model posits that elementary particle masses increase while the gravitational constant decreases over cosmic time, yet Newtonian attraction remains constant. Both models effectively describe the same physical observations, and Wetterich introduces a three-parameter crossover model that avoids a big bang singularity, suggesting a flat space-time in the infinite past and compatibility with current observations, including primordial density fluctuations and the transition to a dark energy-dominated universe.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of cosmological models, specifically the hot big bang and slow freeze theories.
  • Familiarity with fundamental physics concepts such as elementary particles and gravitational constants.
  • Knowledge of primordial density fluctuations and their role in cosmic inflation.
  • Basic grasp of dark energy and its influence on the universe's expansion.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of the three-parameter crossover model in cosmology.
  • Study the effects of varying gravitational constants on cosmic evolution.
  • Explore the relationship between primordial density fluctuations and cosmic inflation.
  • Investigate current observations supporting dark energy dominance in the universe.
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, cosmologists, and theoretical physicists interested in alternative models of cosmic evolution and the fundamental nature of the universe.

tom.stoer
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http://arxiv.org/abs/1401.5313
Hot big bang or slow freeze?
C.Wetterich
(Submitted on 21 Jan 2014)
We confront the hot big bang for the beginning of the universe with an equivalent picture of a slow freeze - a very cold and slowly evolving universe. In the slow freeze picture the masses of elementary particles increase and the gravitational constant decreases with cosmic time, while the Newtonian attraction remains unchanged. The slow freeze and hot big bang pictures both describe the same observations or physical reality. We present a simple three-parameter "crossover model" without a "big bang singularity". In the infinite past space-time is flat. Our model is compatible with all present observations, describing the generation of primordial density fluctuations during inflation as well as the present transition to a dark energy dominated universe.
 

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