Now, however, Dr Bojowald and fellow physicists are exploring territory unknown even to Einstein - the time before the Big Bang - using his new theory, called Loop Quantum Cosmology.

An analysis of this, one of a series of newly-emerging theories which combine Einstein's theory of gravity (general relativity) with that of the subatomic world (quantum theory), "is supposed to provide a non-singular framework in which one could address the question of what was there before the Big Bang," he says.

Of course there could not be any bang at all without an unstable system, which automatically implies not only time but also distance and energy in flux.

If a singularity could exist in a stable state, there is where it would have to remain for eternity. All forces from without and from within would be in perfect balance.

The fact that we are here now is conclusive evidence that such a singularity never happened.

Want to hit this J?

Cantareata de talie mondial!
Frumusica FOC.

If a universe explodes into existence, and there is no one around to here it does it make a noise?

What was the before the big bounce and before that? Why do scientists take such a hard road? The idiom does state that the simpler route is not always the best option, but the simple mind has the most fun.