A team of physicists has proposed an alternative to the standard Big Bang theory, suggesting that our universe emerged from a gravitational collapse into a massive black hole. This new model, known as the “black hole universe” theory, offers a radically different view of cosmic origins while being grounded in known physics and observations.
The standard cosmological model, based on the Big Bang and cosmic inflation, has been successful in explaining the structure and evolution of the universe. However, it leaves many fundamental questions unanswered, such as where did everything come from, why did it begin this way, and why is the universe so flat, smooth, and large?
The new theory tackles these questions by considering what happens when an overly dense collection of matter collapses under gravity. This process is familiar: stars collapse into black holes, which are among the most well-understood objects in physics.
According to quantum mechanics, a collapsing cloud of matter can reach a high-density state and then bounce, rebounding outward into a new expanding phase. The bounce occurs entirely within the framework of general relativity, combined with the basic principles of quantum mechanics.
This model predicts several testable predictions, including a small but non-zero amount of positive spatial curvature, which would be confirmed by future observations such as the ongoing Euclid mission. It also makes predictions about the current universe’s rate of expansion, something that has already been verified.
The black hole universe theory offers a new perspective on our place in the cosmos, suggesting that we are not special, but rather part of a cosmic cycle shaped by gravity and quantum mechanics. This framework provides a possible explanation for many deep mysteries in our understanding of the early universe, including the origin of supermassive black holes, dark matter, and galaxy evolution.
The theory is supported by mathematical calculations and simulations, which show that gravitational collapse does not have to end in a singularity, but rather can lead to a bounce. The bounce produces a universe remarkably like our own, with characteristics such as positive spatial curvature and accelerating expansion.
While this new model is still speculative, it has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of cosmic origins and the nature of the universe. As scientists continue to explore and test this theory, we may uncover new insights into the fundamental laws of physics that govern the behavior of matter and energy in extreme conditions.
Source: https://theconversation.com/what-if-the-big-bang-wasnt-the-beginning-our-research-suggests-it-may-have-taken-place-inside-a-black-hole-258010