When was the oscillating universe theory introduced

The main obstacle presented by the model of the oscillating universe is the second law of thermodynamics, which tells us that entropy always increases within an isolated system, and never in an opposite way. Furthermore, this law explains that entropy increases all the time when it passes from one cycle to another. If the cycles become longer, the extrapolation to the past will lead back to an initial singularity , thus eliminating the motivation to consider an oscillatory universe in the first place.

Therefore, as time advances, entropy increases, until it reaches its maximum point which is death by heat or what is known as the Big Rip. Evidence suggests that the expansion of the universe is constantly accelerating. If any theory of the oscillating universe were to discard it, this, in turn, would discard this theory. As it stands, it clearly indicates that the idea that gravitational pull will eventually slow the expansion of the universe and then send the expansion backwards, and this is completely false.

How to cite this article? Oscillating universe theory. Cosmology Oscillating universe theory. Related topics Big Crunch , Dark energy , dark matter , Hubble's law , string theory , stationary theory, inflation theory. What is the oscillating universe theory?

It could also be one more or the number N Of the series. Although Friedmann developed the mathematical model, it was this physicochemical who made the whole approach of the oscillating universe for the first time in He spoke of the theory indicating that the big explosion gave rise to stars and galaxies and that the expansion that occurred after the Big Bang has been losing speed.

That is, if you compare the speed of expansion of a few years back with that which can be observed today, you would notice a considerable decrease in speed. For Gamow, this fact suggests that the expansion of the cosmos will become slower and slower until it reaches a point where it no longer occurs, but rather shrinks into another"cosmic egg.

Although accepted by cosmologists for some time, oscillating universe theory ceased to be popular since , due to several contradictions or inconsistencies that began to reveal scientists. In fact, in the s, Stephen Hawking and Roger Penrose proved that the universe could not rebound after a contraction, as suggested by oscillating universe theory.

Some of these criticisms are related to the weak explanation of why this rebound would occur and the incompatibility with the second law of thermodynamics according to which, the entropy would rise in each oscillation so that it could not be returned to the initial conditions. Some scientists believe that in order for an oscillating universe to be possible, everything should be restarted with the Big Crunch, including physical laws.

On the other hand, there is no such amount of gravitational mass in the universe, as to justify the braking and possible contraction of the universe. There are those who argue that the oscillation is eternal, while others believe that it is only one more cosmic state because an eternal oscillation would degrade the universe according to known physical laws. The lack of an explanation of the origin of everything, of the first Big Bang, is another point against this theory.

Unless its actual properties are very dissimilar from what it is showing now, we may have to shelve the Oscillating Universe Theory. Here are two of them:. Tired eyes? Let your ears help you learn for a change. Here are some episodes from Astronomy Cast that just might suit your taste:. Sources: PBS. Skip to content. Like this: Like Loading