The Big Bounce
An interesting article in the new Scientific American discusses the possible implications of quantum gravity theory for Cosmology. In my limited understanding, quantum gravity theory was developed as an alternative to string theory in an attempt to reconcile Einsteins theory of general relativity with quantum theory–both of which are well confirmed but seem to conflict. One of the surprising predictions of quantum gravity theory is that space-time is atomistic–not continuous, as one would intuitively expect. In this recent article by Martin Bojwald, another consequence is explained: the universe did not begin with the Big Bang, but with a quantum driven contraction that resulted in an explosion–a big bounce. I can’t say I really completeluy understand it, of course, but the article proves interesting reading nonetheless. Check it out here.
Tags: Big Bang, Cosmology, General Relativity, Quantum Gravity, Science