Alan Guth
Proposed the theory of cosmic inflation, a modification of the Big Bang theory.
Most quoted
"If you ask where the energy for the Big Bang came from, the answer from inflation is that gravitational energy can be negative, and it can exactly cancel the positive energy of matter."
— from Lecture
"The inflationary universe theory says that the universe began as a tiny speck of false vacuum, which then inflated exponentially to become the enormous universe we see today."
— from Scientific paper/lecture
"The universe is like a giant puzzle, and we're slowly putting the pieces together. But sometimes we find a piece that doesn't fit, and then we have to start all over again."
— from Lecture
All quotes by Alan Guth (423)
Dark energy might be related to the vacuum energy from inflation.
Science progresses by challenging established ideas, like the steady-state model.
The multiverse idea is speculative but intriguing.
Inflation happened faster than light, but that's allowed in general relativity.
Observational cosmology has confirmed many aspects of inflation.
The universe's flatness is a smoking gun for inflation.
Theoretical physics requires both math and intuition.
Collaboration in science leads to breakthroughs.
The Planck era is where quantum gravity meets cosmology.
Inflationary cosmology bridges particle physics and the large-scale universe.
Doubts about inflation keep us searching for better theories.
The cosmic microwave background is a fossil of inflation.
Life as a physicist is about persistence through failures.
String theory might provide the framework for inflation.
The arrow of time emerges from low-entropy initial conditions post-inflation.
Teaching physics inspires the next generation.
Bubbles of false vacuum drive eternal inflation.
Cosmology is the ultimate interdisciplinary field.
The fine-tuning of constants puzzles even inflationary models.
Humor helps in long research nights.
Contemporaries of Alan Guth
Other Physicss born within 50 years of Alan Guth (1947).