Editorial note to "The beginning of the world from the point of view of quantum theory"

TL;DR

This editorial highlights Georges Lemaitre's 1931 note as a foundational document that effectively serves as the original statement of the modern Big Bang theory, emphasizing its significance in the history of cosmology.

Contribution

It reprints Lemaitre's historic note and clarifies its importance as the true origin of the modern Big Bang theory.

Findings

Lemaitre's 1931 note is a key historical document for Big Bang cosmology.

The note is considered the 'Charter' of the modern Big Bang theory.

The article contextualizes the note within the development of quantum cosmology.

Abstract

This is an editorial note to accompany reprinting as a Golden Oldie in the Journal of General Relativity and Gravitation of the famous note by Georges Lemaitre on the quantum birth of the universe, published in Nature in 1931. We explain why this short (457 words) article can be considered to be the true "Charter" of the modern Big Bang theory.