Inflation theory is the theorized extremely rapid expansion of the early universe by a factor of at least 10^78 in volume. The inflationary epoch lasted from 10^36 seconds after the Big Bang to approximately 10^33 seconds. This is a mind-boggling small period of time. It’s 0.000000000000000000000000000000000000 of a second after the big bang.
There are a number of variants to inflation theory or inflation models. An interesting model is the eternal inflation, which says (roughly speaking) that shortly after the Big Bang space-time expanded at different rates in different regions of the early universe, giving rise to bubble universes (that may function with their own separate laws of physics.
Our universe might just be one of many. While the concept is bizarre, it's a possibility, according to scientists who have devised the first test to investigate the idea at Imperial College London. The basic premise of the study is to look for collisions between universes by examining tell tale signs left behind in the cosmic microwave background radiation. This is the diffuse (thermal radiation) light left over from the Big Bang and pervades our universe.
Researchers used data from the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) identifying four regions in the universe as promising candidates. However, statistical analyses suggested these patterns were likely to be random, resembling the circular shapes of collisions simply by coincidence. The European Space Agency's Planck satellite data set to be released in 2013, and the researchers plan to look again, surveying in particular the four areas of interest from this study.
A researcher from the University of British Columbia in Canada, agrees that the present data from WMAP is not likely to be precise enough to make a definitive statement, also excited by what the more detailed data from the Planck satellite might revel.
The obvious benefit that a multi-verse theory provides is an explanation for the strange coincidences in our own universe. Many of the fundamental constants such as the strength of gravity and the speed of light, seem perfectly calibrated to produce a universe in which galaxies, stars, planets and even life can form.
The scientists detailed their study in two research papers published recently in the journals Physical Review Letters and Physical Review D.
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