3 Alternatives to the Big Bang Theory

If the Big Bang theory is just a “theory,” are there other hypothetical explanations for the origin of the known universe? Here is a simplified summary of three alternatives to the Big Bang theory.

Steady-State Universe

The universe is now, and always has been, essentially the same, according to the steady-state theory popular in the 1950s and 1960s. What about the apparent expansion of the universe observed by astronomers? Adherents to the steady-state theory said the universe may be expanding, but it will remain essentially the same. As the universe is spread thinner and thinner, they said, matter is continuously created out of nothing. 

The steady state view faded out when the cosmic microwave background (CMB) was discovered. The CMB is said to the radiation from the Big Bang, and astronomers use it to discern how the known universe may have looked in its early days, or even its earliest fractions of a second. Steady-state adherents did not have an alternative explanation for CMB, according to a PBS summary of the theory.

Oscillating Universe

This theory does not deny the Big Bang, but rather states that there may have been many, consecutive Big Bangs. Between each Big Bang was a Big Crunch—a point at which the universe expanded to its limit and collapsed. The oscillation between genesis and destruction is also called the Big Bounce.

After studying the CMB, scientists say the universe may end in a “Big Freeze or Heat Death” rather than a Big Crunch,  according to an article in Universe Today.

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