First uploaded Mar. 13, 2016.

The LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory) recently observed the merger of two black holes, one of 36 solar masses and one of 29 solar masses, which resulted in the conversion, in milliseconds, of three solar masses into pure gravitational wave energy (which is actually the rippling of space-time) according to the Max Planck Institute for Gravitational Physics (Albert Einstein Institute). See: http://www.aei.mpg.de/1824987/?page=2

So how does that “little bang” compare to the Big Bang?

We think, in round numbers, that the observable universe contains 100 billion (100 x 10exp9) galaxies each having on average 100 billion (100 x 10exp9) stars (see note 4. below). 

Our sun is approximately an average star.

Therefore, the mass of the visible matter of the observable universe is about (100 x 10exp9) times (100 x 10exp9) or 1 x 10exp22 solar masses.

But we think visible matter comprises only about 5 percent of the universe. 

Dark matter (mass that doesn’t shine or interact with ordinary matter except through gravity) accounts for 27 percent and dark energy (we have no idea what it is) for 68 percent of the universe.

Now remember, mass and energy are equivalent according to Einstein’s famous e = m cexp2.

So the total mass equivalent of all the mass and energy of the universe is (1 x 10exp22 ) divided by 0.05 or 20 x 10exp22 solar masses.

All of that mass/energy equivalent came into being with the hypothesized Big Bang.

It is reported by the Max Planck Institute that the observed merger of the two black holes, which resulted in the conversion of three solar masses to pure energy, released 3.6 x 10exp49 watts.  That is more than 50 times the entire energy output of all the stars in the observable universe.

That means that the Big Bang released (20 x 10exp22) divided by 3 or 7 x 10exp22 times more energy than was released by the merger of those two black holes.

In other words, the Big Bang released (7 x 10exp22) times 50 or 350 x 10exp22 times more energy than is being produced by all the stars in the universe.

And all of the matter and energy, as well as space-time, in the universe originated out of something apparently no bigger than 7.7 × 10exp-30 metres, an unimaginably small dimension, if we extrapolate our current understanding of physics back in time to the Big Bang - the most-widely accepted theory of the formation of the universe.

A few final notes and observations:

       1. The LIGO observations still need to be confirmed.

       2. It appears the merger of black holes, probably the most energetic event in the universe other than the Big Bang, releases energy in accordance with Einstein’s theory of General Relativity - at least in the opinion of the Max Planck Institute. See:https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/standing-up-albert-mike-priaro

       3. Probably the Big Bang theory needs more work, or be replaced by something better.

       4. Recent reports indicate the actual number of galaxies in the known universe may be two trillion - but the newly-surmised galaxies seem to be smaller, dimmer, and perhaps further and younger than the rest which is why they have escaped detection until recently.  If the mass of these newly-discovered galaxies is significant, it only makes the contrast between the "Big Bang" and the "Little Bang" even larger.

Mike Priaro, P.Eng.

Calgary, Alberta, Canada

403-281-2156