The Principles of Oscillating Universe Theory: Scientific Rightness or Misconception?

At the heart of our understanding of the cosmos lies the concept of the 'sea of photons,' where photons represent the electromagnetic oscillations in vacuum. Galaxies, in this grand 'sea,' exhibit characteristics of vortices, marking their presence as immense electromagnetic oscillations.

Understanding Oscillating Universe Theory

The term ' oscillating universe theory' can be interpreted in various ways. Primarily, it refers to models where the universe expands from a Big Bang, collapses under the force of gravity in a Big Crunch, and then restarts this cycle. This model was popular in the 1920s and 1930s, but it has faced numerous criticisms over the years.

The Original Model: 1920s Scenario

Alexander Friedmann introduced the first detailed model of the oscillating universe in 1922, drawing inspiration from earlier, albeit vague, notions by scientists such as Albert Einstein. This theory was widely accepted among physicists due to its ability to explain the observed expansion of the universe without the need to address the daunting question of the universe's beginning and possibly its end. By extending the Cosmological Principle to the Perfect Cosmological Principle, it postulated that on large scales, the universe appears the same everywhere and everywhen.

The Thermodynamic Flaw and Abandonment

However, the model faced a critical flaw. In 1934, Richard Tolman discovered that such models would inevitably violate the laws of thermodynamics. As entropy continuously increases across cycles, the universe would eventually lose the energy required to collapse and restart, leading to a singular Big Bang event. This realization marked the decline of the oscillating universe theory and its eventual replacement by steady-state and Big Bang models.

Modern Interpretations and Infinite Cycles

While the original oscillating universe theory has fallen out of favor, the concept of eternal cycles or infinite cycles remains a topic of intrigue. These models have gained renewed interest in the face of the discovery that the universe's expansion is accelerating, making a Big Crunch less likely. Models like Roger Penrose's conformal cyclical cosmology offer an alternative where the universe undergoes cyclical expansions and contractions without a definitive end.

Challenges and Theoretical Approaches

Despite these advances, significant challenges remain. For instance, resolving the entropy problem without a Big Crunch remains a daunting task. Some models attempt to avoid a Crunch by beginning to expand again without ever reaching the density of the Big Bang. These models introduce additional problems, such as explaining the extensive evidence left by the early epochs, which is increasingly confirmed by advanced observations.

Philosophical Advantages and Future Prospects

Despite the challenges, the philosophical advantages associated with oscillating universe theories persist. These theories offer alternative explanations for the universe's origins and provide a framework for perpetual cycles, avoiding the singularities that plague models like the Big Bang. As long as there is a desire to explore these concepts, some scientists will continue to investigate these ideas, driven by the hope that new mechanisms can resolve the outstanding issues.

Internet Crankery and Misconceptions

It is important to note that there exists a small group of internet cranks who advocate for a version of the oscillating universe theory that is neither the original 1920s model nor rigorous scientific theory. These proponents often misapply high school mathematics to misunderstood pop science descriptions, failing to address long-standing issues. Such theories not only represent a misunderstanding of the scientific method but also risk spreading misinformation.

The oscillating universe theory, whether the original model or modern interpretations, remains a fascinating subject for both scientists and enthusiasts. While the evidence currently supports a Big Bang followed by a Big Freeze, the allure of eternal cycles persists, driving ongoing research into these intriguing alternatives.