Difference Between Big Bang Theory and Steady State Theory

Big Bang Theory vs Steady State Theory | What is Steady State Theory? | What is Big Bang Theory? | What is the difference?

The big bang theory and the steady state theory are two theories trying to explain the beginning and the evolution of the universe. This article will try to compare the two theories and discuss the differences between them.

What is Steady State Theory?

Steady state theory is a theory that tries to explain the mechanics of the universe. This theory suggests that the universe is infinite. The steady state theory is also known as continuous creation theory and infinite universe theory. This theory also suggests that the universe is expanding. However, as the universe expands new matter is created so that the perfect cosmological principle is applied. The perfect cosmological principle is that the universe is homogeneous and isotropic in both space and time. Fred Hoyle, Thomas Gold and Hermann Bondi developed this model in 1948. This accepts the expansion of the universe and the theory of relativity, but the suggestion of constant matter creation keeps the universe in a steady state. In this theory, the universe expands over time, however, the properties of the universe do not change over time. This theory also suggests that the universe has no beginning and eventually no end. This theory requires a constant matter creation, which is against matter conservation of the universe.

What is Big Bang Theory?

The big bang theory suggests that once the universe was in a condition where the density is infinite. This state was extremely hot and was known as the primeval atom. This state of matter then expanded rapidly thus creating the “big bang”. This rapid expansion caused the universe to cool and eventually the modern universe came to be. The big bang theory is the prevailing theory for the early development of the universe. Georges Lemaitre first proposed this theory. He based his postulation on Einstein’s theory of relativity and its basic assumptions such as the isotropic and the homogeneous universe over space but not necessarily time. Alexander Friedmann formed the governing equations for the big bang theory in 1929. The observations from numerous researches led to the verification of the big bang theory. One such observation was the Edwin Hubble’s observation of variation of apparent velocity of galaxies with the distance from earth. He observed that the galaxies far from earth recede faster from earth than the galaxies closer to earth. Another observation is the cosmic background radiation. Both of these observations confirm the big bang theory.