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Astrophysics/Matter creation

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Expert: - 4/2/2010


Question
Dear Philip,

I am reading Steven Weinberg's "Dreams of a Final Theory" (1992), and he mentions believing that matter is probably still being created in the universe (as opposed to all having been created at once, in the big bang). I have heard other scientists say something similar. So I am wondering: does current science still believe that there is an on-going process of matter-creation going on somewhere in the universe, or has that idea been abandoned?

And if they believe (or can prove) that matter is continually being created, are there any examples of observed creation of specific particles of matter, like for instance protons?

Thanks,
- Tue

Answer
Hello,

So far as we know, major matter creation (by which I mean on the scale once proposed by Fred Hoyle in his 'steady state' theory) is not occurring. What we have are localized instances of matter creation in what we call "pair production".

For example, the pi mesons.

The typical pi meson (call it pi) lasts 10^-16 sec then vanishes yielding two gamma ray photons in its wake,viz.

Pi -> gamma + gamma

The total mass 2.4 x 10^-28 kg, is converted to electromagnetic energy after the 10^-16 sec. I am not aware of particles as large as protons being created on any large scale or consistent basis.

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Philip A. Stahl

Expertise

I specialize in stellar and solar astrophysics. Can answer any questions pertaining to these areas, the spectroscopic analysis of stars – as well as the magneto-hydrodynamics of sunspots and solar flares. Sorry – No homework problems done or research projects! I will provide hints on solutions.

Experience

Have published papers on the relationship between sunspot morphology and solar flares; discovery of SID flares related to this, constructed computerized stellar models; MHD research.

Organizations
American Astronomical Society (Solar physics and Dynamical astronomy divisions), American Geophysical Union, American Mathematical Society, Intertel.

Publications
Solar Physics, Journal of the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, Journal of the Barbados Astronomical Society, Meudon Solar Flare Proceedings (Meudon, France). Books: 'Selected Analyses in Solar Flare Plasma Dynamics', 'Physics Notes for Advanced Level'.

Education/Credentials
B.A. degree in Astronomy; M.Phil. degree in Physics - specializing in solar physics.

Awards and Honors
Postgraduate research award- Barbados government; Studentship Award in Solar Physics - American Astronomical Society

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