What Is Quantum Cosmology?

Quantum cosmology is a tentative theory that applies quantum physics to the study of the origin of the universe. According to general relativity, there must be a singularity at the beginning of time. But like all classical physics theories, general relativity is not applicable at a time earlier than Planck's time (ie, ^10-43 seconds). Then quantum phenomena will play an important role. ^[1]

Quantum cosmology

United Kingdom

Hawking's bolder idea is that our universe and other logically possible universes with different natural constants

Quantum cosmology

They all come from a larger mother universe. When viewed from a distance, the space and time of the mother universe is as calm as when viewed from a high place, but when viewed from a close distance, the quantum fluctuations boil, and the "worm holes" are opened to connect different cosmic bubbles. The result of opening or closing the wormhole is to change the natural constants that appear in the different field equations. The cosmic wave function is broken into many terms. The natural constant in each term takes different values with different probabilities, and we happen to be in the cosmic bubble that allows the evolution of intelligent life (see the principle of choice). ^[1]

Although quantum cosmology has made some encouraging progress in understanding the origin of the universe, it is still tentative because a satisfactory theory of quantum gravity has not yet been established. ^[1]