Universe’s Nature and Time: From Big Bang to Black Holes

Abstract

Chapter 1: Our Picture of the Universe

A summary of the different models of the universe over time, through the image that the Earth was flat, held up by a giant turtle shell, until the description of current scientific theories of the universe by two fundamental partial theories: The theory of general relativity and quantum mechanics, and the efforts of modern physics in searching for a theory that adds to the previous two: A quantum theory of gravity.

Chapter 2: Space and Time

It deals with theories of motion, Newton’s absolute space, absolute time, of how the theory of relativity broke the concept of absolute time, the theory of special relativity and how it is inconsistent with Newton’s theory of gravitation and Einstein’s theory of general relativity.

Chapter 3: The Expanding Universe

It describes the evolution of theories of the steady expansion of the universe and the evolution of theories to sustain or overturn the theory of a singularity like the Big Bang that brings into question whether time is finite or infinite.

Chapter 4: The Uncertainty Principle

It presents the doctrine of determinism versus the uncertainty principle, from which emerges quantum mechanics, which, according to Hawking, might be unified with general relativity through a complete consistent theory. Although this theory does not yet exist, we do know some of the characteristics that it should possess.

Chapter 5: Elementary Particles and Forces of Nature

Explains from Aristotle’s belief that matter was infinitely divisible, through the atom and more recently the discovery of ever smaller particles reaching the quark and explains the theories of force-carrying particles, in four categories and what they imply in the understanding of the universe.

Chapter 6: Black Holes

It details how black holes are formed and how one might think they might be considered the end of time.

Chapter 7: Black Holes Are Not So Black

It raises the behavior of light with respect to the boundary of the black hole. He mentions the second law of thermodynamics, and relates how he was gradually coming to mathematical calculations to explain that black holes emit radiation and particles like a hot body and therefore emit some light.

Chapter 8: The Origin and Fate of the Universe

The origin and fate of the universe are questioned, referring to theological beliefs and the difficulty in reconciling these with the discoveries and the latest scientific theories.

Chapter 9: The Arrow of Time

It analyzes the evolution of the concept of “time”, from the traditional passing of time to “imaginary” time and the so-called arrow of time (thermodynamics, psychological and cosmological) that distinguish between past and future.

Chapter 10: The Unification of Physics

It seems advisable to integrate the unification of physics, through a consistent and complete theory integrating the various branches of human knowledge.

Chapter 11: Conclusion

Presents the author’s conclusions and his concern to integrate the philosophical with the scientific to come to a complete theory comprehensible to any human being. Finally, he reflects on the big three of physics: Einstein, Galileo, and Newton.

Main Theme

The main theme discussed in this book is the nature of the universe and the importance of time. The author is concerned about time, black holes, the uncertainty principle, space and time (Theory of Relativity), and the unification of physics. The book includes helpful drawings to better understand the theories presented.

It is about the evolution that our universe has had, its past, present, and future. The author uses his scientific thinking to explain the Big Bang, black holes, and the end of the universe. With this book, the author explains his understanding of the nature of time and the universe.