12 far out theories of how the universe works

Wes Walcott | How Stuff Works | April 18, 2025

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12. The Ekpyrotic Universe Theory

Providing an alternative to the widely accepted Big Bang theory, the ekpyrotic universe theory suggests that, unlike the Big Bang which supposedly began from a singularity, our universe is actually two universes that smashed into each other.

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10. The Fermi Paradox

Originally put forth by physicists Enrico Fermi and Michael H. Hart, the Fermi Paradox contests that if the Drake Equation is correct and there are actually millions of intelligent life to be found in our very own Milky Way galaxy …

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9. The Simulation Theory

This theory supposes that we all might be living in a computer simulation created by an alien race in some distant galaxy.

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8. The Universe is a Hologram

Rather than an elaborate computer simulation, this theory suggests that the universe we see is nothing more than a hologram generated by the universe itself.

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7. Black Holes Can Give Birth to Entirely New Universes

[T]his theory suggests that a black hole might actually be the mother of our universe.

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6. The Many Worlds Theory

[T]he many worlds theory proposes that every time we make a decision, a new universe is born.

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5. The Heat Death of the Universe

This theory follows from the second law of thermodynamics and proposes that if the universe was infinite, it should also be infinitely old.

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4. Observing Dark Energy is an Act of Murder

[This theory is] that every time we look at dark energy, we’re killing the universe [by keeping it unstable].

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3. The Panspermia Theory

[T]he panspermia theory states that the “seeds” of life are present throughout the universe and can be propagated through interstellar space or even intergalactic space through natural means.

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2. The Singularity

[This theory suggests] that in the coming decades humanity will experience what he refers to as a technological singularity by which we will learn to transcend biology itself and all the limitations (including death) associated with it.

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