The Principle of Mediocrity
High Energy Physics - Theory
2011-08-26 v1 Cosmology and Nongalactic Astrophysics
General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology
Abstract
Recent developments in cosmology suggest that much of the universe is in a state of explosive, accelerated expansion, called inflation. We live in a "bubble" where inflation has ended, and other bubbles with diverse properties are constantly being formed. Most, if not all, of these bubbles are beyond our cosmic horizon and cannot be directly observed. I discuss the origin of this new worldview, its possible observational tests, and its implications for the beginning and the end of the universe.
Cite
@article{arxiv.1108.4990,
title = {The Principle of Mediocrity},
author = {Alexander Vilenkin},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1108.4990},
year = {2011}
}
Comments
The Gerald Whitrow lecture delivered on 19 April 2011 at the National Meeting of the Royal Astronomical Society in Llandudno, UK. To be published in the October 2011 issue of A & G