In the blog titled "Should Intelligent design be taught in schools " I briefly overview some of the material covered in Origin of the Universe and Creation in addition to the "Proof of God"
In the blog titled "Should Intelligent design be taught in schools " I briefly overview some of the material covered in Origin of the Universe and Creation in addition to the "Proof of God"
And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
Abiogenesis ?
And God said, Let the "waters" bring forth abundantly the moving creature that hath life,
And God said, Let the "earth" bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so
And God said, Let the "earth" bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
And God said, Let there be light: and there was light
And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
And God said, Let there be light: and there was light
Introduction to the Cyclic Universe
http://www.actionbioscience.org/newfrontiers/steinhardt.html
The Endless Universe: Introduction to the Cyclic Universe
Paul J. Steinhardt
An update of a previously published paper
articlehighlights
The author proposes an alternative model to the "Big Bang" theory of
the Universe, suggesting that:
space and time may have always existed in an endless cycle of
expansion and rebirth
the expansion of the universe is accelerating, as astronomers have
recently observed
after trillions of years, expansion stalls, new matter and radiation
is created, and the cycle restarts
read articlelearn moreget involvededucator resourcesMay 2002
Editor's Note: The Cyclic Universe model does not replace the Big
Bang theory but offers a potential alternative to certain aspects of
the Big Bang that are longstanding problems. Some scientists are
excited about its potential while others are cautious or skeptical.
The Cyclic Universe model incorporates concepts from standard
physics, string theory, and M-theory. For anyone who has ever
wondered what lies beyond the Universe, the Cyclic Universe model may
provide some answers.
The big bang/inflationary model
Big Bang: the Universe expanded about 15 billion years ago to seed
the formation of galaxies.Over the last century, cosmologists have
converged on a highly successful theory of the evolution of the
Universe — the big bang/inflationary picture.1 According to this
picture:
space and time sprung into being 15 billion years ago in a `big bang'
when the Universe emerged, it was filled with particles and radiation
of nearly infinite temperature and density
instants later, the Universe underwent a period of extraordinarily
rapid, superluminal expansion (`inflation') which made the Universe
homogeneous and flat and which created fluctuations that seeded the
formation of galaxies and large-scale structure
The concept of "dark energy" is intended to explain the fact that
expansion of the universe is accelerating.In the last decades,
cosmological observations have supported the predictions of the big
bang and inflationary theory in exquisite detail.1,5 They have also
provided one major surprise. It appears that, billions of years after
the big bang, following the formation of galaxies, the Universe was
overtaken by some form of dark energy that is causing the expansion
rate to accelerate. Although dark energy was unanticipated and has no
particular role in the big bang/inflationary picture, the general
view has been that it can simply be added by fiat to the initial make-
up of the Universe. There is no compelling reason for a new
theoretical approach. Quite the contrary, many cosmologists regard
the basic cosmic story as being settled.
The cyclic universe model
Cyclic Universe: The Big Bang was not the beginning of time because
the universe undergoes endless cycles of evolution in infinite space
and time.In this context, a new paradigm has been recently proposed
by Paul Steinhardt (Princeton) and Neil Turok (Cambridge) —the cyclic
universe— that turns the conventional picture topsy-turvy.2 (Perhaps
the model should be called an old paradigm since it reinvigorates
ancient cosmic mythologies and philosophies, albeit using the tools
of 21st century physics.) In this picture:
space and time exist forever
the big bang is not the beginning of time; rather, it is a bridge to
a pre-existing contracting era
the Universe undergoes an endless sequence of cycles in which it
contracts in a big crunch and re-emerges in an expanding big bang,
with trillions of years of evolution in between
the temperature and density of the universe do not become infinite at
any point in the cycle; indeed, they never exceed a finite bound
(about a trillion trillion degrees)
no inflation has taken place since the big bang; the current
homogeneity and flatness were created by events that occurred before
the most recent big bang
the seeds for galaxy formation were created by instabilities arising
as the Universe was collapsing towards a big crunch, prior to our big
bang
The new model provides insight into some questions unanswered by the
Big Bang theory.The prospects for an alternative cosmology that is so
different from the well-established convention would seem extremely
dim. Yet, the cyclic model recoups all of the successful predictions
of the big bang/inflationary theory and has sufficient additional
predictive power to address many questions which the big
bang/inflationary model does not address at all:
What occurred at the initial singularity?
What is the ultimate fate of the Universe?
What is the role of dark energy and the recently observed cosmic
acceleration?
Does time, and the arrow of time, exist before the big bang? or after
the big crunch?
New matter is created during the transition from big crunch to big
bang.In the new paradigm, each cycle proceeds through a period of
radiation and matter domination consistent with standard cosmology,
producing the observed primordial abundance of elements, the cosmic
microwave background, the expansion of galaxies, etc. For the next
trillion years or more, the Universe undergoes a period of slow
cosmic acceleration (as detected in recent observations1), which
ultimately empties the Universe of all of the entropy and black holes
produced in the preceding cycle and triggers the events that lead to
contraction and a big crunch. Note that dark energy is not simply
added on — it plays an essential role. The transition from big crunch
to big bang automatically replenishes the Universe by creating new
matter and radiation. Gravity and the transition from big crunch to
big bang keep the cycles going forever. In fact, as will be
discussed, the cyclic behavior is a strong attractor. That is, even
if the Universe were disrupted from its periodic behavior, it would
rapidly reconverge to the cyclic solution.
Superstring theory: the Universe contains nine or ten spatial
dimensions.Superstring theory and the cyclic universe
The linchpin to the new paradigm is the transition from big crunch to
big bang. The transition was thought to be an impossible passage in
which the laws of physics blow up. However, recent developments in
superstring theory suggest that the cosmic singularity is otherwise,
as the two authors have argued in a recent paper with Justin Khoury
(Princeton), Burt Ovrut (Penn) and Nathan Seiberg (IAS).3 Superstring
theory relies on the idea that the Universe contains nine or ten
spatial dimensions, depending on the formulation, all but three of
which are curled up in a compact manifold of microscopic size. In
this framework, the big bang and big crunch may be an illusion.
Expressed in the usual variables of general relativity, it may appear
that our usual space and time are disappearing. However, viewed with
the proper variables, our usual space dimensions actually remain
infinite and time runs continuously. The transition from big crunch
to big bang is due, instead, to the collapse, bounce and re-expansion
of one of the extra dimensions. For example, in a variant known as M
theory:
the Universe consists of two branes (surfaces) bounding an extra
dimension, and the singularity corresponds to a collision and bounce
of the two branes
the temperature and density of ordinary radiation and matter remain
finite at the bounce, and particles move continuously in a natural
and intuitive way
Conclusion: The Cyclic Universe model's advantages include predictive
power for the future course of the universe.New cosmological
possibilities
If superstring theory is proven to dispel the myth that the big bang
is the beginning of time, then it opens up new possibilities for the
cosmological history of the Universe. Six months ago, the "ekpyrotic
model"4 was proposed by Khoury, Ovrut, Steinhardt and Turok as one
new possibility based on the idea of making a universe from a single
collapse of the extra dimension. The cyclic model builds on lessons
learned from the ekpyrotic example to produce a picture with
remarkable predictive and explanatory power.
Paul J. Steinhardt, Ph.D. An update by the author of a
previously published paper from his personal web page. See reprint
policy.
Paul J. Steinhardt, Ph.D., is a theoretical physicist in the
departments of Physics and Astrophysical Sciences at Princeton
University. His research spans problems in cosmology, astrophysics,
particle physics and condensed matter physics. He is a leading expert
on inflationary cosmology and other events in the very early
universe. His work led to the first inflationary models for the
universe, to the discovery that inflation can seed galaxy formation,
and to new observational tests. He also introduced the concept of
quasicrystals and pioneered the study of their structural and elastic
properties. Prior to his position at Princeton, Dr. Steinhardt served
as the Mary Amanda Word Professor of Physics at the University of
Pennsylvania. He is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, a
Fellow of the American Physics Society, and a member of the American
Astronomical Society.
http://www.physics.princeton.edu/www /jh/research/steinhardt_paul.html
"The cyclic universe model
Cyclic Universe: The Big Bang was not the beginning of time because
the universe undergoes endless cycles of evolution in infinite space
and time.In this context, a new paradigm has been recently proposed
by Paul Steinhardt (Princeton) and Neil Turok (Cambridge) —the cyclic
universe— that turns the conventional picture topsy-turvy.2 (Perhaps
the model should be called an old paradigm since it reinvigorates
ancient cosmic mythologies and philosophies, albeit using the tools
of 21st century physics.)
These ancient cosmic mythologies and philosophies are the hindu
conceptions of Yuga's.....
The Endless Universe: Introduction to the Cyclic Universe
Paul J. Steinhardt
An update of a previously published paper
articlehighlights
The author proposes an alternative model to the "Big Bang" theory of
the Universe, suggesting that:
space and time may have always existed in an endless cycle of
expansion and rebirth
the expansion of the universe is accelerating, as astronomers have
recently observed
after trillions of years, expansion stalls, new matter and radiation
is created, and the cycle restarts
read articlelearn moreget involvededucator resourcesMay 2002
Editor's Note: The Cyclic Universe model does not replace the Big
Bang theory but offers a potential alternative to certain aspects of
the Big Bang that are longstanding problems. Some scientists are
excited about its potential while others are cautious or skeptical.
The Cyclic Universe model incorporates concepts from standard
physics, string theory, and M-theory. For anyone who has ever
wondered what lies beyond the Universe, the Cyclic Universe model may
provide some answers.
The big bang/inflationary model
Big Bang: the Universe expanded about 15 billion years ago to seed
the formation of galaxies.Over the last century, cosmologists have
converged on a highly successful theory of the evolution of the
Universe — the big bang/inflationary picture.1 According to this
picture:
space and time sprung into being 15 billion years ago in a `big bang'
when the Universe emerged, it was filled with particles and radiation
of nearly infinite temperature and density
instants later, the Universe underwent a period of extraordinarily
rapid, superluminal expansion (`inflation') which made the Universe
homogeneous and flat and which created fluctuations that seeded the
formation of galaxies and large-scale structure
The concept of "dark energy" is intended to explain the fact that
expansion of the universe is accelerating.In the last decades,
cosmological observations have supported the predictions of the big
bang and inflationary theory in exquisite detail.1,5 They have also
provided one major surprise. It appears that, billions of years after
the big bang, following the formation of galaxies, the Universe was
overtaken by some form of dark energy that is causing the expansion
rate to accelerate. Although dark energy was unanticipated and has no
particular role in the big bang/inflationary picture, the general
view has been that it can simply be added by fiat to the initial make-
up of the Universe. There is no compelling reason for a new
theoretical approach. Quite the contrary, many cosmologists regard
the basic cosmic story as being settled.
The cyclic universe model
Cyclic Universe: The Big Bang was not the beginning of time because
the universe undergoes endless cycles of evolution in infinite space
and time.In this context, a new paradigm has been recently proposed
by Paul Steinhardt (Princeton) and Neil Turok (Cambridge) —the cyclic
universe— that turns the conventional picture topsy-turvy.2 (Perhaps
the model should be called an old paradigm since it reinvigorates
ancient cosmic mythologies and philosophies, albeit using the tools
of 21st century physics.) In this picture:
space and time exist forever
the big bang is not the beginning of time; rather, it is a bridge to
a pre-existing contracting era
the Universe undergoes an endless sequence of cycles in which it
contracts in a big crunch and re-emerges in an expanding big bang,
with trillions of years of evolution in between
the temperature and density of the universe do not become infinite at
any point in the cycle; indeed, they never exceed a finite bound
(about a trillion trillion degrees)
no inflation has taken place since the big bang; the current
homogeneity and flatness were created by events that occurred before
the most recent big bang
the seeds for galaxy formation were created by instabilities arising
as the Universe was collapsing towards a big crunch, prior to our big
bang
The new model provides insight into some questions unanswered by the
Big Bang theory.The prospects for an alternative cosmology that is so
different from the well-established convention would seem extremely
dim. Yet, the cyclic model recoups all of the successful predictions
of the big bang/inflationary theory and has sufficient additional
predictive power to address many questions which the big
bang/inflationary model does not address at all:
What occurred at the initial singularity?
What is the ultimate fate of the Universe?
What is the role of dark energy and the recently observed cosmic
acceleration?
Does time, and the arrow of time, exist before the big bang? or after
the big crunch?
New matter is created during the transition from big crunch to big
bang.In the new paradigm, each cycle proceeds through a period of
radiation and matter domination consistent with standard cosmology,
producing the observed primordial abundance of elements, the cosmic
microwave background, the expansion of galaxies, etc. For the next
trillion years or more, the Universe undergoes a period of slow
cosmic acceleration (as detected in recent observations1), which
ultimately empties the Universe of all of the entropy and black holes
produced in the preceding cycle and triggers the events that lead to
contraction and a big crunch. Note that dark energy is not simply
added on — it plays an essential role. The transition from big crunch
to big bang automatically replenishes the Universe by creating new
matter and radiation. Gravity and the transition from big crunch to
big bang keep the cycles going forever. In fact, as will be
discussed, the cyclic behavior is a strong attractor. That is, even
if the Universe were disrupted from its periodic behavior, it would
rapidly reconverge to the cyclic solution.
Superstring theory: the Universe contains nine or ten spatial
dimensions.Superstring theory and the cyclic universe
The linchpin to the new paradigm is the transition from big crunch to
big bang. The transition was thought to be an impossible passage in
which the laws of physics blow up. However, recent developments in
superstring theory suggest that the cosmic singularity is otherwise,
as the two authors have argued in a recent paper with Justin Khoury
(Princeton), Burt Ovrut (Penn) and Nathan Seiberg (IAS).3 Superstring
theory relies on the idea that the Universe contains nine or ten
spatial dimensions, depending on the formulation, all but three of
which are curled up in a compact manifold of microscopic size. In
this framework, the big bang and big crunch may be an illusion.
Expressed in the usual variables of general relativity, it may appear
that our usual space and time are disappearing. However, viewed with
the proper variables, our usual space dimensions actually remain
infinite and time runs continuously. The transition from big crunch
to big bang is due, instead, to the collapse, bounce and re-expansion
of one of the extra dimensions. For example, in a variant known as M
theory:
the Universe consists of two branes (surfaces) bounding an extra
dimension, and the singularity corresponds to a collision and bounce
of the two branes
the temperature and density of ordinary radiation and matter remain
finite at the bounce, and particles move continuously in a natural
and intuitive way
Conclusion: The Cyclic Universe model's advantages include predictive
power for the future course of the universe.New cosmological
possibilities
If superstring theory is proven to dispel the myth that the big bang
is the beginning of time, then it opens up new possibilities for the
cosmological history of the Universe. Six months ago, the "ekpyrotic
model"4 was proposed by Khoury, Ovrut, Steinhardt and Turok as one
new possibility based on the idea of making a universe from a single
collapse of the extra dimension. The cyclic model builds on lessons
learned from the ekpyrotic example to produce a picture with
remarkable predictive and explanatory power.
Paul J. Steinhardt, Ph.D. An update by the author of a
previously published paper from his personal web page. See reprint
policy.
Paul J. Steinhardt, Ph.D., is a theoretical physicist in the
departments of Physics and Astrophysical Sciences at Princeton
University. His research spans problems in cosmology, astrophysics,
particle physics and condensed matter physics. He is a leading expert
on inflationary cosmology and other events in the very early
universe. His work led to the first inflationary models for the
universe, to the discovery that inflation can seed galaxy formation,
and to new observational tests. He also introduced the concept of
quasicrystals and pioneered the study of their structural and elastic
properties. Prior to his position at Princeton, Dr. Steinhardt served
as the Mary Amanda Word Professor of Physics at the University of
Pennsylvania. He is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, a
Fellow of the American Physics Society, and a member of the American
Astronomical Society.
http://www.physics.princeton.edu/www /jh/research/steinhardt_paul.html
"The cyclic universe model
Cyclic Universe: The Big Bang was not the beginning of time because
the universe undergoes endless cycles of evolution in infinite space
and time.In this context, a new paradigm has been recently proposed
by Paul Steinhardt (Princeton) and Neil Turok (Cambridge) —the cyclic
universe— that turns the conventional picture topsy-turvy.2 (Perhaps
the model should be called an old paradigm since it reinvigorates
ancient cosmic mythologies and philosophies, albeit using the tools
of 21st century physics.)
These ancient cosmic mythologies and philosophies are the hindu
conceptions of Yuga's.....
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