This article ponders the question of whether our current universe was already destined to exist at just one second old. It delves into the science behind the formation of the universe and considers whether it was inevitable or a result of chance.

At the heart of this inquiry lies the notion that the initial conditions of the universe were set at the moment of the Big Bang. According to the prevailing theory, the universe expanded rapidly from an extremely hot and dense state, with its initial conditions acting as the blueprint for its future evolution.

However, the debate arises from the ambiguity surrounding these initial conditions.

Some scientists argue that the universe's properties were precisely determined from the outset, meaning that our current universe was already destined to arise. An analogy is drawn to a marble sitting on top of a cliff, which will eventually fall due to the force of gravity – similarly, the universe's trajectory is predetermined.

On the other hand, there is contention among scientists who believe in the concept of a multiverse. This theory suggests that our universe is just one of many, each with its own set of physical laws and properties.

In this scenario, our current universe's existence may be seen as a result of chance rather than inevitability.

To gain insight into this matter, scientists employ computer simulations and mathematical models. These simulations recreate the conditions following the Big Bang, enabling researchers to observe how slight variations in initial conditions can lead to different outcomes. The results of these simulations indicate that small changes at the start can have significant impacts on the evolving universe, supporting the idea that chance played a role in its formation.

However, some scientists argue that these simulations are limited and overlook crucial factors that may influence the evolution of the universe.

There could be hidden variables or physical laws that we are yet to discover, which may indicate that the universe's existence was always predetermined.

In conclusion, the question of whether our current universe was inevitable at just one second old remains unresolved. The prevailing theory suggests that the universe's properties were precisely determined from the outset, implying its existence was predetermined. However, the concept of a multiverse proposes that our universe's formation was a result of chance. Although computer simulations support the idea that slight variations in initial conditions can lead to different outcomes, there are still uncertainties and unknown factors that prevent a definitive answer. The mystery surrounding the origin and trajectory of our universe continues to intrigue scientists, keeping the debate alive.