1.   And the Big Bang theory seems to demand critical density.

2.   Between these two extremes, there is a more attractive possibility, a condition called critical density.

3.   But so far, all measurements of cosmic mass fall well short of critical density, presumably indicating an open universe on its way to the big chill.

4.   For theoretical and perhaps esthetic reasons, cosmologists have long been partisans of critical density.

5.   In short, at the critical density, expressed as omega equals one, the universe would be in a state of equilibrium between collapse and eternal expansion.

6.   Omega is the ratio between the actual density of the universe and a value called the critical density that is required to support equilibrium.

7.   One prediction of the inflation model is that the universe should have a critical density.

8.   Scientists express this condition of critical density as omega equals one.

9.   The gravity of a critical density should slow expansion to a kind of coasting equilibrium between collapse and vanishing infinity.

10.   The key is having an inviting setting that brings a critical density of people down to the water.