The steady-state theory proposes that the universe is expanding but remains constant in its spatial distribution due to the constant creation of matter. It is seen as an alternative to the big bang theory, but its flaw is the lack of even distribution of objects such as quasars.
Steady-state theory is a cosmological model of the universe in which the universe is expanding, yet is spatially identical to how it always was and always will be. This is due to a constant state of creation of matter in the universe, which allows the universe to expand and create enough matter to ensure that at all times and in all directions the universe is the same. The sense of universal homogenization is often referred to as the perfect cosmological principle and is a key factor of the theory. The steady state theory and similar variations are often seen as the most likely alternative to the big bang theory and the cosmological model.
During the 20th century, some discoveries in the physical sciences led to the development of new cosmological theories such as the steady state theory. Before that, most theories typically indicated that the universe was the same in every direction, and had always been the same, and always would be the same. There was no sense of universal expansion, however, and thus the size of the universe was thought to be a constant.
Steady-state theory, however, came from two main sources: Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity and astronomer Edwin Hubble’s observations that the universe was expanding. These discoveries made the previous view of a static universe scientifically unfounded, and therefore new theories were needed to explain how the universe became what it had been observed. The steady state theory and the big bang theory were among the two main models of the universe, and in a sense they are quite opposite models.
According to steady state theory, the universe is expanding but the distribution of matter throughout the universe is equal and constant. This sense of a homogeneous universe is, perhaps, aesthetically appealing and logically satisfyingly ideal. However, to account for the even distribution of matter in an expanding universe, new matter must be created to compensate for the expansion of the universe.
Steady-state theory typically attributes this creation to a “C-field” that not only creates new matter, but also causes the universe to expand. One major flaw of this theory, which gives strength to the big bang theories, is that in a homogeneous universe there should be an even distribution of objects such as quasars, which would be evidence of an old stable universe. Such objects have only been observed at great distances, however, which supports the idea that these oldest bodies in the universe developed over time and distance, and not through stable, spontaneous creation. Although many physicists tend to view the big bang theory as the most likely model of the universe, there is still some defense of steady state theory and similar concepts such as the quasi steady state model.
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