In a Nutshell, the Issues with Big Bang Theory
In chapter eight, Atkins seeks to understand the concepts and theories of cosmology that have most influenced modern science. One of the most influential theories impacting the notion of our existence is the theory of the Big Bang. This theory proposes that the universe was created from an single explosion which, in turn is supported by current evidence suggesting the state of the universe is one of expansion. Therefore, the Big Bang was the initial force that lead the universe into expansion. A key shortcoming of the Big Bang is that it only states that the two points that are moving now, will be moving away in the future, it lacks depth in explaining why this is so. Physicists attribute the constant expansion the initial explosion which has in turn produced the necessary velocity to have universes still moving away from one another. Moreover, the shape of the universe, as Atkins states, is odd. It suggests that the matter it contains seems to be the right amount to indicate that the universe will expand forever. He raises this issue to address the flatness problem of the universe, leading to the statement “that we have not identified all matter in the universe” (Atkins 260). The flatness of space time refers to the phenomena where 2 degrees Kelvin is the approximate background radiation measured, indicating a pretty evenly distributed area of elements. Moreover, the lack of monopoles undermines the theory itself altogether with none being found thus far in space time. Although Atkins attempts to solve this problem by insinuating that maybe black holes account for much of the matter, there is a definite gap in the Big Bang theory and it’s understanding of the universe.
To critcal flaws Atkins fails to address are:
1.In space, or what it consisted in at the Big Bang, how can it drive all of space, into what it has expanded into what it is now. And furthermore, to continually expand at such a consistent rate. (So is all the energy in the universe sitll intact?)
2.If space time is curved, how does flatness fit into the picture, how could time being bent affect the shape of the matter in other forms, precisely the one we have not identified, ie- black matter, in space.
Trying to imagine the whole of the entire universe it would be mind-boggling. However, science has now attempted to justify to us that the universe is, in fact, finite (it has a beginning, a middle, and a future). It is easy to get caught up in the large scale of the issue in discussing years by the billions, yet, this time still passes. As we travel through our own lives here on Earth, we also travel through the life of our universe. I guess we will have to leave the Physicists to keep working on this one for now. I just want someone to figure it out already.
