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Astronomy/What was before Big Bang?
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Question
Do we know that?
To be perfectly honest, we don't know. (And since current 'time' didn't exist as yet, we may never really know). There are several hypotheses... one is that there was, in whatever existed in the primordial Void prior to Big Bang), was a random fluctuation at the quantum level producing two extraordinary massive virtual particles, one matter - one anti-matter, and they immediately annihilated each other (the Big Bang) with just a slight excess of normal matter and energy as a residue. Using the newer string theory... another involves the existence of multi-universes, I believe in different dimensions, and membranes colliding (the Big Bang in our Universe) in the then existing Universes.
Another modern idea is that we're all just a computer 'simulation' of pixels (quarks) on some gigantic 14 billion year old extraordinary super- supercomputer and we exist, hoping that the "operator" doesn't hit the delete button or turn the computer off or re-boot!
But all these are very hypothetical. This is all at the cutting edge of Cosmology right now.
I personally prefer the first hypothesis, but you can take your pick of whatever you like, for now.
Because we really don't know, as yet.
Clear Skies,
Tom
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Answers by Expert:
Tom Whiting
Expertise
Astronomy has been my hobby/pasttime for over 50 years. Currently own 3 telescopes, the largest of which is a 30 inch Newtonian truss Dob that is portable.I taught Astronomy/Meteorology at the University Level for 13 years before retiring in 1995. Being retired and home most of the time, I am able to answer all questions relatively quickly, unless it's a new moon weekend with good observing conditions. No astrology questions please, or questions about alleged UFO picture identifications.
Experience
Experience: Astronomy has been my hobby and study for over 50 years. We currently now own a 30 inch portable telescope (Updated - Pennsylvania`s largest portable telescope). It can be seen on our website at:http://www.velocity.net/~bwhiting and also attend several regional starparties during the year, and have been on 5 total solar eclipse expeditions.
Organizations: President, Erie County Mobile Observers Group for over 15 years.
Publications: Wrote the "Over Erie Skies" newspaper article in our local newspaper for 11 years (1975-86).
Education: Masters Degree- Taught at the University level for 13 years. Retired 20 years -USAF Pilot - KC-135 with 180 combat missions; Also Eagle Scout, Philmont staff 2 Yrs, Order of Arrow Lodge Chief, Ham Radio (inactive).
Awards: two discoveries: The mini-coathanger asterism in Ursa Minor (the little dipper) And the mini-ladle- another asterism in the bowl of Ursa Minor. Clients: Currently President of the ECMOG as mentioned above.
Education/Credentials
BS Metallurgical Engineering Grove City College, PAMaster's Degree, Gannon University, Erie, PA
Also retired USAF pilot, 20 years.
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