TOW #18 Three Theories That Might Blow Up The Big Bang (Adam Frank)

Adam Frank presents 3 theories that challenge the popular Big Bang Theory.

Today's TOW comes from Adam Frank, a frequent writer on the subjects of space and time for Discover Magazine, and author of several books on the same subjects. Though not a researcher himself, Frank interviews leading scientists in these fields and frequently utilizes information directly quoted from them. This particular article was written in March 2008, the same year as the completion of the CERN Supercollider, a multi-billion dollar facility constructed to run experiments that simulate the beginning of the Universe as we know it, namely: the Big Bang. This model hypothesizes the Universe beginning more than 13 billion years ago as an inconceivably dense mass that rapidly expanded and condensed locally into the galaxies, stars, and planets we see today. This explains observed mysteries like cosmic background radiation and the expansion of the universe. Adam Frank showcases three theories that counter the Big Bang and propose very different ways our universe began (or didn't begin at all). His purpose is to give a simple explanation of each, effectively showing that there are several theories that exist beyond what we are taught in school. His audience are readers of the science-oriented Discover Magazine, so are expected to have knowledge of general physics. The organization is logical, with an introduction, three sub-headed theory explanations, and a conclusion. Each theory begins with a quick biography of its creator, establishing the credibility of the idea in question. A description of each idea follows, and then Smith explores their implications: the differences from the Big Bang Theory, and what it may mean to us. For example, the third presented theory is that of an infinite series of "Nows," that every possible arrangement of atoms exists simultaneously, an idea that claims time does not exist. This is, clearly, very difficult to imagine. So Frank uses the creator's own words, citing direct quotes and many analogies to help the reader better visualize what the theory means. For example, Frank quotes, "'Every integer exists simul­taneously. But some of the integers are linked in structure, like the set of all primes or the numbers you get from the Fibonacci series.'” He then adds his own elaboration on the idea, "Yet the number 3 does not occur in the past of the number 5 any more than the Big Bang exists in the past of the year 2008." By giving brief, tangible explanations, Frank saves us from the rigorous scientific articles of the scientists he cites. Overall, the article maintained my attention and delivered effective, credible explanations. The only thing I didn't like was his abrupt and ineffective conclusion,