Category: Science > Quantum Cosmology
One of the most fascinating discoveries in modern physics is the role of quantum fluctuations in the expansion of the universe. According to quantum theory, even in a perfect vacuum, particles and antiparticles continuously pop in and out of existence. These transient particles can have significant effects on the fabric of space-time, which may contribute to the cosmic inflationary period that occurred just after the Big Bang. This inflationary phase is believed to have rapidly expanded the universe, smoothing out irregularities and leading to the large-scale structure we observe today. Thus, at the most fundamental level, the behavior of the tiniest particles may have set the stage for the vast, expanding cosmos we inhabit, highlighting the interconnectedness of quantum mechanics and cosmology.