Hawking's Position on Repeating Big Bang

In summary, Hawking and Penrose have proposed that the universe began with a singularity and has only occurred once, based on the age of the universe and the number and maturity of observed galaxies. However, this view is challenged by other models and assumptions, such as the violation of energy conditions during inflation and the possibility of a cyclic universe through a novel effect called rescaling. Quantum theories also present challenges to the assumption that gravity is described by General Relativity and predict a possible bounce in the universe's history.
  • #1
David_Baratheon
3
0
What is the evidence for Hawking's statement here:

"After giving a brief historical background on relativistic physics and cosmology, Hawking discussed the idea of a repeating Big Bang. He noted that in the 1980s, he and physicist Roger Penrose proved the universe could not “bounce” when it contracted, as had been theorized.

Therefore, time began at the moment of singularity, and this has likely occurred only once, Hawking said. The age of the universe — now believed to be about 13.8 billion years — fits that model, as the number and maturity of observed galaxies seem to fit in the general scheme."


http://www.space.com/20710-stephen-hawking-god-big-bang.html
 
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  • #2
He tells you the evidence: "The age of the universe ... the number and maturity of observed galaxies ...".

To get the details you've have to hunt through Hawking and Penrose published papers from the 80's.
He's basically asserting that the Universe has physics consistent with being bounded at "the start".
The model he was addressing appears to be the Lynds or Poplawski style one where the Universe never reaches the singualrity.
Hawking has his own ideas about the start of time.
There are other models.
 
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  • #3
Hawking and Penrose have two assumptions 1 , gravity is described by GR and 2 matter/energy satisfies certain energy conditions.
Assumption 2 is violated by inflation, although Borde Guth and Vilenkin argue that you will still get a singularity despite this.
But assumption 1 is challenged by quantum theories of gravity that do predict a bounce.
Intersentingly Penrose now thinks the universe is cyclic but via neither assumptions being violated , rather its through a novel affect he calls rescaling.
 
  • #4
Simon Bridge said:
He tells you the evidence: "The age of the universe ... the number and maturity of observed galaxies ...".

To get the details you've have to hunt through Hawking and Penrose published papers from the 80's.
He's basically asserting that the Universe has physics consistent with being bounded at "the start".
The model he was addressing appears to be the Lynds or Poplawski style one where the Universe never reaches the singualrity.
Hawking has his own ideas about the start of time.
There are other models.

How does the age of the universe of the number and maturity of observed galaxies prove that the big bang only occurs once?

Telling me to hunt through his papers isn't very helpful :-)

So what your saying is that he assumes that the universal constants are the same from t=0 to now? Why would that mean that the big bang is a singular occurrence?

I appreciate that there are other models but that doesn't help me with my question :-) nor does it discredit his view
 
  • #5
skydivephil said:
Hawking and Penrose have two assumptions 1 , gravity is described by GR and 2 matter/energy satisfies certain energy conditions.
Assumption 2 is violated by inflation, although Borde Guth and Vilenkin argue that you will still get a singularity despite this.
But assumption 1 is challenged by quantum theories of gravity that do predict a bounce.
Intersentingly Penrose now thinks the universe is cyclic but via neither assumptions being violated , rather its through a novel affect he calls rescaling.

How does a nonrecurring big bang assume gravity = GR? I haven't heard of g=GR to be honest, that is new to me. 2 Which certain conditions?

How is assumption 1 challenged by quantum theories and how do quantum theories predict a bounce?
 

Related to Hawking's Position on Repeating Big Bang

What is Hawking's position on repeating Big Bang?

Hawking's position on repeating Big Bang is that it is a possibility but not a certainty. He believed that the universe may have gone through multiple cycles of expansion and contraction, but there is no definitive evidence to prove this theory.

Why did Hawking propose the idea of a repeating Big Bang?

Hawking proposed the idea of a repeating Big Bang as a way to reconcile the concept of an expanding universe with the laws of thermodynamics. According to these laws, the universe should eventually reach a state of maximum entropy and stop expanding. The idea of a repeating Big Bang allows for the universe to continue expanding and contracting indefinitely.

How does Hawking's idea of a repeating Big Bang differ from the traditional Big Bang theory?

Hawking's idea of a repeating Big Bang differs from the traditional Big Bang theory in that it suggests that the universe has gone through multiple cycles of expansion and contraction, rather than just one single event. This allows for the possibility of a cyclical universe, rather than one that has a definitive beginning and end.

What evidence supports Hawking's idea of a repeating Big Bang?

Currently, there is no definitive evidence to support Hawking's idea of a repeating Big Bang. However, some evidence that may point to this theory includes the observed expansion of the universe and the presence of dark energy, which is thought to be a driving force behind the expansion. Further research and observations are needed to confirm or refute this idea.

What implications would Hawking's idea of a repeating Big Bang have on our understanding of the universe?

If Hawking's idea of a repeating Big Bang were to be proven true, it would have significant implications on our understanding of the universe. It would challenge the traditional view of a universe with a single beginning and end, and instead suggest a cyclical nature to the universe. This could also potentially lead to a better understanding of the laws of thermodynamics and the ultimate fate of the universe.

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