steady state theory
noun Astronomy.
a theory in which the universe is assumed to have average properties that are constant in space and time so that new matter must be continuously and spontaneously created to maintain average densities as the universe expands.
Also called
steady state model.
Compare
big bang theory.
Origin of steady state theory
First recorded in 1950–55
Words nearby steady state theory
steadicam,
steading,
steady,
steady as a rock,
steady state,
steady state theory,
steady state universe,
steady-going,
steady-handed,
steady-state theory,
steak
Scientific definitions for steady state theory
steady state theory
A cosmological theory stating that the universe has always expanded at a uniform rate with no beginning or end, that it will continue to expand and have constant density, and that the distribution of old and new objects in the universe is basically even. The theory has been largely abandoned in favor of the big bang theory, largely due to the discovery of quasars and other entities that appear only at very great distances, suggesting an absolute relationship between the age of objects and their distance. Steady state theory was also discredited by the discovery of cosmic background radiation, which was predicted by the big bang theory but not by the steady state theory.