I have never been a fan of the big bang model for the universe. The mathematical model which has been used to support it breaks down at the alleged time of singularity.
Now some Indian physicists have proposed a different mathematical model which using some corrective math, seems to introduce new constants which account for problems with the big bang model, and accounts for the dark energy in our universe. In their model the universe has no beginning.
Their paper can be found here:
http://arxiv.org/abs/1411.0753
I have yet to read Lerner’s book, but I believe we still have things to learn about the nature of the universe.
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