Does BICEP2 kill Conformal Cyclic Cosmology?

In summary, it is still debated whether or not CCC (Conformal Cyclic Cosmology) is killed by BICEP2's observations of B-mode polarization in the cosmic microwave background. Sir Roger Penrose dismisses the idea of cosmic inflation and instead suggests that the B-mode signal is caused by primordial magnetic fields from before the Big Bang. However, his theory is considered unlikely and other explanations, such as cosmic strings, are being explored. Despite these debates, inflation remains the leading theory and more tests are being conducted to confirm its validity.
  • #1
twistor
74
8
Is CCC killed by BICEP2 or there is a way in which it survives?
 
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  • #2
Apparently it's still alive, because Roger doesn't believe in any of this newfangled inflation stuff. According to this interview with Ira Flatow:

http://www.sciencefriday.com/segment/04/04/2014/sir-roger-penrose-cosmic-inflation-is-fantasy.html

he attributes the B-mode observations, not to gravitational waves induced by quantum fluctuations during inflation, but to primordial magnetic fields left over from the pre-Big Bang.
 
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  • #3
Penrose's ideas about primordial B fields is a bit crazy and should be relatively straightforward to rule out. What's harder to do is to really remove all classical sources as a viable explanation. Indeed the Bicep signal could arise from cosmic strings or other early universe sources.

See eg
http://arxiv.org/abs/1109.0542

For an example.

The good news is many of these models are testable as the resolution is increased and are already in tension with some of the findings at large angular scales. Since inflation has a very strong posterior probability after so many tests and is much cleaner theoretically I do think it is the significant leader at this point.

All of this is still the early days and it is wise to exercise caution
 

Related to Does BICEP2 kill Conformal Cyclic Cosmology?

1. What is BICEP2 and why is it important for Conformal Cyclic Cosmology?

BICEP2 (Background Imaging of Cosmic Extragalactic Polarization) is a telescope located in Antarctica that measures the polarization of the cosmic microwave background radiation. It gained attention in 2014 when it announced the detection of a signal that was believed to be evidence of cosmic inflation, a key component of Conformal Cyclic Cosmology. This potential discovery was important for Conformal Cyclic Cosmology because it would provide evidence for the cyclical nature of the universe.

2. What is Conformal Cyclic Cosmology and how does it relate to the BICEP2 results?

Conformal Cyclic Cosmology is a theory proposed by physicist Roger Penrose that suggests the universe goes through cycles of expansion and contraction. It posits that the Big Bang was not the beginning of the universe, but rather just one phase of an endless cycle. The BICEP2 results were believed to support this theory by providing evidence for cosmic inflation, a key component of Conformal Cyclic Cosmology.

3. Did the BICEP2 results disprove Conformal Cyclic Cosmology?

No, the BICEP2 results did not disprove Conformal Cyclic Cosmology. However, further analysis and data from other experiments have since cast doubt on the initial interpretation of the BICEP2 results. While the BICEP2 results were initially believed to support Conformal Cyclic Cosmology, it is now uncertain whether they were actually evidence of cosmic inflation.

4. What are the current implications of the BICEP2 results for Conformal Cyclic Cosmology?

The current implications of the BICEP2 results for Conformal Cyclic Cosmology are uncertain. While the initial interpretation of the results was believed to support the theory, further analysis and data have cast doubt on this conclusion. More research and data are needed to fully understand the implications of the BICEP2 results for Conformal Cyclic Cosmology.

5. Are there any other experiments or data that could potentially support or disprove Conformal Cyclic Cosmology?

Yes, there are ongoing experiments and data analysis that could potentially support or disprove Conformal Cyclic Cosmology. For example, the European Space Agency's Planck satellite has collected data on the cosmic microwave background radiation that could provide further insights into the BICEP2 results and their implications for Conformal Cyclic Cosmology. Additionally, future experiments and observations in the field of cosmology could also shed light on the validity of this theory.

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