Big Bang Theory

 Overview: The most widely accepted theory in modern cosmology. It posits that the universe
began as an extremely hot, dense point (a singularity) around 13.8 billion years ago and has
been expanding ever since.

 Key Evidence: Cosmic microwave background radiation, the observed expansion of the
universe (Hubble's Law), and the distribution of galaxies.

2. Steady State Theory

 Overview: An older theory proposing that the universe has always existed in a constant state,
with new matter being continuously created to keep the density of the universe constant as it
expands.

 Current Status: Largely replaced by the Big Bang Theory due to observational evidence like the
cosmic microwave background radiation.

3. Inflation Theory

 Overview: A refinement of the Big Bang Theory, suggesting that the universe underwent a
rapid exponential expansion in its very early moments (around 10^-36 to 10^-32 seconds after
the Big Bang) before slowing down.

 Key Evidence: Explains the uniformity of the cosmic microwave background and the large-scale
structure of the universe.

4. Multiverse Theory

 Overview: Proposes that our universe is just one of many universes that exist in a
"multiverse." These other universes may have different physical laws and constants.

 Key Evidence: More speculative and theoretical, often arising from interpretations of quantum
mechanics and cosmic inflation.

5. Loop Quantum Cosmology

 Overview: An approach that combines quantum mechanics and general relativity, suggesting
that the universe undergoes a series of cycles of expansion and contraction (Big Bounce)
rather than originating from a singular Big Bang.

 Key Evidence: Theoretical framework based on loop quantum gravity; observational evidence
is still limited.

6. String Theory and M-Theory

 Overview: These theories propose that fundamental particles are not point-like but rather
one-dimensional "strings" or higher-dimensional objects. M-Theory, a generalization of string
theory, suggests the existence of multiple dimensions and a multiverse.

 Key Evidence: Largely theoretical with some indirect evidence; remains a work in progress.
7. Creationist and Religious Views

 Overview: Various religious and philosophical perspectives offer different explanations for the
universe's origin, often involving divine creation or other supernatural events.

 Key Evidence: Based on religious texts and doctrines rather than empirical scientific evidence.

Each theory offers different perspectives and insights, and ongoing research continues to refine our
understanding of the universe's origin.

Here's a classification of the theories about the origin of the universe as either scientific or non-
scientific thought:

Scientific Thought

1. Big Bang Theory

o Based on empirical evidence and the scientific method, including observations of

cosmic microwave background radiation and the expansion of the universe.

2. Inflation Theory

o An extension of the Big Bang Theory that uses empirical evidence to explain the
uniformity of the universe and large-scale structures.

3. Multiverse Theory

o Although more speculative, it is based on theoretical frameworks that arise from

quantum mechanics and cosmic inflation theories.

4. Loop Quantum Cosmology

o A theoretical framework that combines quantum mechanics and general relativity to

offer a different view on the universe's origin.

5. String Theory and M-Theory

o These theories propose fundamental aspects of reality and are grounded in advanced
theoretical physics, though direct empirical evidence is still developing.

Non-Scientific Thought

1. Steady State Theory

o While initially scientific, it has largely been discredited by empirical evidence

supporting the Big Bang Theory and is no longer widely accepted.

2. Creationist and Religious Views

o Based on religious, spiritual, or philosophical beliefs rather than empirical scientific

evidence. They are not typically considered scientific because they do not adhere to
the scientific method or empirical testing.
In summary, scientific thought involves theories that can be tested, refined, and supported or refuted
based on evidence, while non-scientific thought includes perspectives based on beliefs, traditions, or
ideas that do not adhere to these empirical methods.
Cosmology and the Big Bang (00:00 - 09:53)

 Cosmology is the subfield of astrophysics that studies the origin and development of the
universe.

o It specifically addresses the question of how the universe began and when.

 The universe is believed to have been born around 13.8 billion years ago from a single point, an
event referred to as The Big Bang.

o The name "The Big Bang" was coined by astrophysicist Fred Hoyle.

The Big Bang Misconceptions

 The concept of the Big Bang is often misunderstood, with many people imagining it as a loud
explosion leading to the present-day universe.

o The reality is that the early universe was not fully formed and did not resemble a
cartoon explosion graphic.

The Beginning of the Universe

 Our current understanding begins to take shape at around 10 to the power of -43 seconds after
the Big Bang.

o Before this moment, our current models are largely speculative.

The Planck Epoch and Grand Unification Epoch

 In the Planck epoch, the universe's temperature was over 10 to the power of 32 Kelvin, with all
four fundamental forces unified into one single force.

o The grand unification epoch saw temperatures cool down, allowing gravity to decouple
from the other three forces.

The Electroweak Epoch and Inflationary Epoch

 During the electroweak epoch, the strong nuclear force decoupled from the electrostrong force,
leaving only the electromagnetic and weak nuclear forces together.

o Roughly concurrent with the electroweak epoch was the inflationary epoch, during
which the universe expanded by an incredible factor, around 10 to the power of 26.

The Quark Epoch

 Around one trillionth of a second after the Big Bang, the quark epoch began, leading to the
decoupling of the electromagnetic and weak nuclear forces, resulting in the four distinct forces
known today.

Higgs Field and Quark-Gluon Plasma (10:01 - 15:13)

 The Higgs field bestows existing particles with mass for the first time

o Protons and neutrons unable to form due to high temperature

  Transition from theoretical cosmology to experimental at this epoch

o Can currently probe with particle accelerators

Hadron Epoch

 Quark-gluon plasma congeals into hadrons, particles made of quarks

o Includes baryons like protons and neutrons

 Lasts until one full second after the Big Bang

Lepton Epoch

 Hadrons and antihadrons largely annihilate, leaving leptons and anti-leptons

o Slight asymmetry in favor of matter over antimatter leaves fraction of original matter
behind

 Lasts from one second to ten seconds after the Big Bang

Photon Epoch and Big Bang Nucleosynthesis

 Universe cool enough for baryons to be stable and fuse

o Protons and neutrons fuse to form hydrogen, helium, and trace amounts of other light
nuclei

 Universe locked into a three-to-one ratio of hydrogen to helium by mass

 Big Bang Nucleosynthesis lasts for about 17 minutes

Formation of Structure and Recombination

 Universe's expansion leads to hydrogen and helium nuclei collecting in patches due to gravity

o Denser regions become denser and empty regions become more empty

 Recombination and photon decoupling occur around 400,000 years after the Big Bang

o Electrons combine with nuclei to form neutral atoms for the first time

 Universe becomes transparent, with electromagnetic radiation moving freely over large
distances

Dark Ages

 Era with plenty of hydrogen and helium but no stars producing light

 Universe continues to cool

Formation of Clumps and Ignition

 Gravity pulls matter together into clumps over millions of years

o Atoms pushed right up against one another

  Ignition occurs when enough atoms are together in the same place

STUDY STATE THEORY

The most famous theory that tries to counter the inflation postulates is the Steady-State Theory. Here,
the overall density of the Universe stays constant even if the space is expanding. This result is only
possible when there is a continuous generation of matter at a very high rate. This theory got out of the
hype with the observation of the cosmic microwave background radiation. The model has no clarification
regarding this omnipresent entity.

What is the Steady-State Theory?

In cosmology, the Steady-State Theory is a theoretical model in which the Universe is constantly
expanding but with a fixed average density. In this Universe model, matter is always created to form
galaxies and stars at the same speed as the old ones become destroyed. Their relative distances and
recession velocity increase to nullify the overall change in the density. There is no overall beginning or
end for a steady-state Universe. When we take any point within view on a grand scale, the overall
average density and order of galaxies are always the same. In this model, the matter density in the
expanding space-time stays constant as a reason for the ceaseless creation of matter. Thus, acting as an
ideal principle suggests that the visible Universe is physically the same at any place and time.

The video explains the basic concepts of stars

1,28,665

Evolution of the Steady-State Theory

Edwin Hubble discovered cosmological expansion by observing the characteristics of the movement of
galaxies. Albert Einstein had put forward a static model of the Universe. The work of Hubble made this
static model unstable. Father Georges Lemaître was the first person to suggest a concept that is similar
to the modern Big Bang theory. It is a model where the Universe has a finite timeline with a definite
beginning and end. It is a dynamic Universe model where there is a continuous expansion, cooling, and
creation of structures through gravitational and other collapses.

In 1948, Fred Hoyle, Thomas Gold and Hermann Bondi published the most influential papers on the
Steady-State Universe model. Later, William Duncan MacMillan and a few others proposed similar
models.

The Steady-State Theory suggests that the over appearance and density of the Universe do not change
over time even if the Universe is continuously expanding. On the grand scale, the Universe has a
particular end or beginning. It also suggests that the matter is being created continuously to replace the
old ones to create the balance that a static Universe needs. During the 20th century, the steady-state
archetype had a considerable influence on the scientific community. It was backed up by some famous
personalities in the field. However, as more observational results came in, it lost its prowess and
withered away into just a thought experiment. Most astronomers and cosmologists disregarded this
Universe model as the observational results point to a hot and vigorous Big Bang model (distinct
beginning).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1

What is the Steady-State Theory?

In cosmology, the steady-state theory is a theoretical model in which the Universe is constantly
expanding but with a fixed average density. In this Universe model, matter is always created to form
stellar bodies at the same speed as the old ones become destroyed or their relative distance and
recession velocity increase. There is no overall beginning or end for a steady-state Universe. When we
take any point within view on a grand scale, the overall average density and order of galaxies are always
the same. In this model, the matter density in the expanding space-time stays constant as a reason for
the ceaseless creation of matter. Thus, acting as an ideal principle suggests that the visible Universe is
physically the same at any place and time.

Q2

What is the significance of the Big Bang Theory?

The Big Bang Theory is the most accepted scientific description of the evolution of the Universe. As per
this origin theory, time and space emerged from a singularity 13.7 billion years ago. As a result of
inflation, it is still expanding. Among all the theories about the evolution of the Universe, the Big Bang
has the most viable postulates that are compatible with the available observational characteristics of the
cosmos.
Q3

Who were the pioneers of the Steady-State Theory?

In 1948, Fred Hoyle, Thomas Gold and Hermann Bondi published the most influential papers on the
Steady-State Universe model.

Q4

Who is known as the father of the Big Bang model?

Georges Lemaître, the Belgian cosmologist, is known as the father of the Big Bang model.

Q5

Who discovered that the Universe is continuously expanding?

Edwin Hubble discovered cosmological expansion by observing the characteristics of the movement of
galaxies.

Q6

How did the Steady-State Theory lose its importance?

During the 20th century, the steady-state archetype had a considerable influence on the scientific
community. It was backed up by some famous personalities in the field. However, as more observational
results came in, it lost its prowess and withered away into just a thought experiment. Most astronomers,
cosmologists, and cosmologists disregarded this Universe model as the observational results point to a
hot and vigorous Big Bang model (distinct beginning).