But if we take quantum mechanics into account, the universe cannot be indefinitely squashed. A quantum repulsion makes it rebound. A contracting universe does not collapse down to a point: it bounces back and begins to expand, as if it were emerging from a cosmic explosion (figure 8.3). The past of our universe, therefore, may well be the result of just such a rebound. A gigantic rebound known as a Big Bounce instead of Big Bang.
