What Came Before the Big Bang?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on theories regarding the state of the universe before the Big Bang. Participants clarify that the Big Bang theory does not assert an infinitely dense point but describes the universe's expansion from a hot dense state. The concept of "singularity" is discussed, emphasizing that it does not imply a point but rather a breakdown in mathematical models. Theories such as chaotic inflation and cyclic cosmology are mentioned, but they remain largely untestable, highlighting the ongoing mystery surrounding the universe's origins.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Big Bang theory and its implications
  • Familiarity with concepts of singularity and cosmic inflation
  • Knowledge of the Epoch of Recombination in cosmology
  • Basic grasp of the scientific method and theory validation
NEXT STEPS
  • Research "chaotic inflation" and its implications in cosmology
  • Explore "cyclic cosmology" models and their theoretical frameworks
  • Study the "cosmic microwave background" and its significance in understanding the early universe
  • Investigate the role of particle accelerators in simulating conditions close to T=0
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, cosmologists, and anyone interested in the scientific exploration of the universe's origins and the theories surrounding the Big Bang.

  • #31
Chronos said:
Is life after death the same as life before birth?
Heh. No. There's actual evidence of life before birth.:D
 
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  • #32
The indisputable evidence is that nothing is ever gained or lost, the sum remains the same.

I don't know of any theories which postulate that anything is created from nothing, except quantum foam, for which I believe it assumes that anything created must be consumed at some other point or "borrowed". So yes life before death should equal life after death.
 
  • #33
jerromyjon said:
The indisputable evidence is that nothing is ever gained or lost, the sum remains the same.

Tell that to the CMB...
 
  • #35
Primordial black holes form from overdensities just like galaxies, and so should appear as hot spots in the CMB.
 
  • #36
jerromyjon said:
The indisputable evidence is that nothing is ever gained or lost, the sum remains the same.
You should learn some basic cosmology before making such a statement. As drakkith pointed out, the CMB is one example of something for which this is in fact demonstrably NOT true.
 
  • #37
I'm obviously lacking in my understanding of temperature here, I'm going to do some more research and see if I can figure out what I'm missing...
 
  • #38
jerromyjon said:
I'm obviously lacking in my understanding of temperature here, I'm going to do some more research and see if I can figure out what I'm missing...

Well, one thing that you may not be aware of is that on cosmological scales, there is no such thing as conservation of energy.
 
  • #39
Closed pending moderation.
 

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