Conformal cyclic cosmology is a theoretical model proposed in the field of cosmology that attempts to explain the nature and evolution of the universe. This concept was put forward by the physicist Roger Penrose in an effort to address some of the fundamental questions regarding the ultimate fate of our universe and the concept of time.
According to conformal cyclic cosmology, the universe undergoes a series of cycles, beginning with the Big Bang and ending with a "Big Bounce," which is followed by another expansion phase. In this model, the universe expands and dilutes over an extremely long period of time, eventually reaching a state where all matter gets dispersed, and black holes become the dominant structure.
At this point, conformal cyclic cosmology proposes that the universe enters a new phase, known as an aeon, where the concept of time as we know it loses its meaning. Instead, time becomes cyclic and is described by a conformal transformation, meaning that the scale of time is expanded infinitely. This formulation allows for the preservation of information across various aeons and the potential for interactions between them.
One of the key aspects of conformal cyclic cosmology is that it suggests that our current universe exists within a larger framework, with multiple universes constantly being born and dying in a cyclical fashion. These cycles are driven by various physical phenomena, such as the decay of black holes and the production of new ones.
Overall, conformal cyclic cosmology provides a thought-provoking theoretical framework for understanding the nature and evolution of the universe, challenging traditional notions of time and the ultimate fate of our cosmos. However, it is important to note that this model is purely speculative at this stage and requires further empirical evidence to be validated.
