The golden universe theory proposes that matter is continually generated as space expands, resulting in a perpetual state of expansion with no beginning or end. It is an alternative to the Big Bang theory, but has been discredited due to lack of evidence. Debate between the two theories has highlighted flaws in both, but the Big Bang theory is expected to become undeniable. The Steady State view was seen as denying God’s creative power, but some atheist societies saw both views as flawed.
The golden universe is a theory in cosmology relating to the origin and future state of the physical universe which has otherwise been referred to as the steady-state theory as well as the theory of the infinite universe. The theory proposes the idea that matter is continually being generated or created as a direct result of the expansion of space. Proposed by astrophysicist researchers Fred Hoyle, Herman Bondi and Thomas Gold in 1948, the theory is also sometimes called the Bondi-Gold theory and is a direct alternative to the Big Bang theory, which has become the dominant model theory among astrophysicists for nature of the universe as of 2011.
According to the golden universe model, physical reality is in a perpetual state of expansion, but the average density of matter in space does not change. This is achieved by the introduction of new matter into the gold space, which merges into galaxies and stars with the same speed as the pre-existing matter which becomes undetectable as it moves away. The steady state universe does not follow the same thermodynamic arrow of time as proposed by the Big Bang. This idea states that the universe is like a clock that slowly winds down over time as matter and energy become more and more dispersed, ultimately resulting in total entropy and heat death, or an inverse effect known as the Big Crunch. Instead, the steady state perspective is that of a golden universe with no beginning and no end in time and, therefore, no ultimate death or rebirth for the universe.
Although the gold universe perspective is not popular among researchers as of 2011, its underlying theoretical assumptions are sound and fit with Edwin Hubble’s discoveries about the nature of an expanding universe and the dynamic nature of space revealed in Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity. The principle of physical cosmology for the creation of new matter in the golden universe is extremely small. To validate the theory, it is only necessary that about one hydrogen atom be created in every cubic meter of space once every billion years. However, since no evidence of this has been observed, including the creation of heavier elements such as lithium and helium, the steady state theory is thought to have been discredited.
Detailed scientific debate between supporters of the Big Bang and Steady State theories has highlighted flaws in both, although it is believed that by 2011 the parameters of the Big Bang theory will be refined to the point that its claims will become undeniable. Religious authorities were soon drawn into the debate as well, with Pope Pius XII of the Catholic church announcing in 1952 that the Big Bang theory was in accord with Christian dogma. This was because a Steady State view of a universe with no beginning or end in time was seen as somewhat denying the existence of God’s creative power and, therefore, being atheist. Atheist or communist societies of the time, however, such as that of the Soviet Union, had astronomers who saw both sides of the debate as overly idealistic in their views and inherently flawed.
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