Well, I'm not entirely sure this idea is coherent. The problem is that the description already assumes some sort of "super-time" under which this tearing of time in two could be observed. This kind of description, ultimately, does not work. Any description that is going to work has to operate as if the universe is all there is, and describe what goes on within it.JonDE said:Is it possible that whatever cause the big bang to happen and make space expand also (for lack of a better phrase) tore time in two? Resulting in two universes moving in opposite directions of time, and could this be used to explain why there appears to be more matter then antimatter in the universe?
I really like that idea put forth by Sean Carroll and Jennifer Chen. Others have presented similar ideas. But I should mention that it is fundamentally different from the original post in that it is asymmetrical: you have an initial fluctuation into a low-entropy state, and the configuration of that state determines the direction of time as seen within the fluctuation.yenchin said:Certainly similar idea in the context of inflation has been entertained before (but I don't think it will help in explaining matter antimatter asymmetry because of what Chalnoth said in his last paragraph), see for example http://arxiv.org/abs/hep-th/0410270" by Sean Carroll and Jennifer Chen:
Abstract: "We suggest that spontaneous eternal inflation can provide a natural explanation for the thermodynamic arrow of time, and discuss the underlying assumptions and consequences of this view. In the absence of inflation, we argue that systems coupled to gravity usually evolve asymptotically to the vacuum, which is the only natural state in a thermodynamic sense. In the presence of a small positive vacuum energy and an appropriate inflaton field, the de Sitter vacuum is unstable to the spontaneous onset of inflation at a higher energy scale. Starting from de Sitter, inflation can increase the total entropy of the universe without bound, creating universes similar to ours in the process. An important consequence of this picture is that inflation occurs asymptotically both forwards and backwards in time, implying a universe that is (statistically) time-symmetric on ultra-large scales."
qraal said:Years ago there was a theory of the Big Bang in which four Universes had their common origin - one of matter, one of antimatter and two tachyon Universes. I wish I could remember the cosmologists who proposed it. Bob Shaw used it in his "Orbitsville" trilogy, but it was a legit cosmological theory.
JonDE said:Is it possible that whatever cause the big bang to happen and make space expand also (for lack of a better phrase) tore time in two? Resulting in two universes moving in opposite directions of time, and could this be used to explain why there appears to be more matter then antimatter in the universe?
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yenchin said:Somewhat related: http://www.physorg.com/news/2011-07-big-quick-conversion-antimatter.html
Arxiv: http://arxiv.org/abs/1106.1260
The Symmetric Big Bang theory is a cosmological model that suggests the universe began as a singularity, a point of infinite density and temperature. It then underwent a rapid expansion known as inflation, followed by a period of expansion and cooling. This theory suggests that the universe is symmetric, meaning that it looks the same in all directions and has the same properties throughout.
The Symmetric Big Bang theory differs from other theories, such as the Steady State or Cyclic models, in its explanation for the beginning of the universe. While these other theories suggest that the universe has always existed in some form, the Symmetric Big Bang theory proposes a specific beginning point and a sequence of events that led to the formation of the universe as we know it.
There is a significant amount of evidence that supports the Symmetric Big Bang theory. One piece of evidence is the cosmic microwave background radiation, which is a remnant of the intense heat and energy that filled the universe in its early stages. The abundance of light elements, such as helium and hydrogen, also supports the theory, as they are believed to have been created during the Big Bang. Additionally, the expansion of the universe and the distribution of galaxies and clusters also align with the predictions of the Symmetric Big Bang theory.
While the Symmetric Big Bang theory is widely accepted, there are some challenges and criticisms to consider. One challenge is known as the horizon problem, which questions how different regions of the universe can have the same properties and appear to be in thermal equilibrium when they have not been in contact since the beginning of the universe. Additionally, some scientists have proposed alternative theories, such as the Inflationary model, to address these challenges.
The Symmetric Big Bang theory has greatly contributed to our understanding of the universe. It provides a comprehensive explanation for the origin and evolution of the universe, as well as predictions that have been confirmed by observations and experiments. It has also led to advancements in our understanding of fundamental physics, such as the development of the Standard Model and the study of dark matter and dark energy. Overall, the Symmetric Big Bang theory continues to be a crucial framework for scientists to explore the mysteries of the universe.