We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Technology

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is a Cyclic Model?

Mary McMahon
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 9,135
Share

A cyclic model is one theory to explain the development and nature of the universe. It suggests that the universe is caught in a series of potentially infinite cycles; we may be living in the first universe that ever happened, or the 137th universe, and there is no way to be certain. Physicists have developed several different forms of the cyclic model, incorporating components of string theory and other advanced theoretical physics. The more scientists learn about the universe, the more they can test these theories and develop new ones in response to emerging evidence.

Under this model, the universe continually expands and crunches back in on itself in a series of cycles. Instead of the big bang, it experiences more of a “big bounce.” As matter shifts in the universe, it collapses in on itself to create a singularity, which starts expanding all over again to set off the next cycle. This could potentially occur infinitely, as the cycles sustain and regulate themselves.

The universe has no specified beginning or end points in a cyclic model. Instead, it is caught in a series of oscillations that repeat endlessly. Each oscillation may bring about a different distribution of matter, creating an endless assortment of universes. People or other life forms living in different cycles wouldn’t be able to access information about a previous or future cycle. Several scientists have posited a variety of mechanisms for the cyclic model, using the latest research results to inform their theories.

One advantage to this approach is that it accounts for some irregularities with the big bang model once favored by researchers. As people learned more about the universe, particularly about the presence of dark matter, the big bang theory no longer quite fit the existing evidence. This is common in science, where researchers develop hypotheses to explain the world around them, adapting as more information emerges. The cyclical model provides an explanation for what does not fit the big bang model; in the early 21st century, it was consistent with what was known about the universe.

Numerous other patterns in nature follow a similar cyclic model, illustrating that stable cycles are a common state for natural phenomena. Researchers study cycles ranging from the lifespan of parasites in waterways to the formation and collapse of galaxies. These natural patterns can interact with other cycles in complex ecosystems where multiple organisms and phenomena may be present.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGeek researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-cyclic-model.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.