Something from Nothing

Imagine empty space. This emptiness is not static; there is an energy intrinsic to space itself. An energy that is causing our universe to expand over time.

So imagine space expanding over eons. It doubles in size and then doubles again and again. Exponential growth driven by a constant energy density; new space emerging and expanding at the same rate.

Time passes. All stars have died, their dust dissipated, black holes have evaporated. All that remains is an ever growing emptiness filled with a dark energy.

Imagine a fluctuation in this field of energy. An infinitesimal part of space begins to expand faster. But this higher energy is unstable and the field decays. A tremendous pressure is released.

Energy, matter, the start of a new universe. Or the birth of ours.

Fundamental particles form, then atoms and the first elements. The expansion of space is now tamed by the matter that curves its shape. Clusters of matter emerge, and from them galaxies, stars and planets.

Space continues to expand, and the density of matter falls. The pressure of emptiness begins to dominate once again.

A man walks under a blue sky, contemplating the cosmos. He shades his eyes against the glare of a brilliant star. The warmth from it makes him smile.

A cold wind blows, refreshing his senses. He understands that the wind too is a consequence of this star. As are the plants bursting with life around him, and the moisture on their leaves from the rain this morning. His partner, their offspring, he himself owes his existence to the warmth of this star.

Emotion colours the rational stream of his thoughts. This is what it is like to be alive in this universe. This is what it is like to feel the heat of a star. He has never felt closer to the sun.

 

_{Photo from science.howstuffworks.com}