SINCE ETERNITY: A Hypothesis of Time as Primordial Nothingness, Light as Manifestation of Time, and Ongoing Conversion of Dark Matter to Ordinary Matter

Standard cosmology describes the universe as originating at a finite time in the past. This paper proposes an alternative hypothesis for consideration and testing.We hypothesize that what is termed 'nothingness' can be modeled as a primordial state of time — a singularity of time — containing dark matter and dark energy as unmanifested components.In this model, time is primordial and does not require an external beginning. Light is proposed as the manifestation of time. Ordinary matter is proposed to form through the interaction of light with dark matter, with dark energy contributing to expansion.Current observations indicate ordinary (baryonic) matter constitutes approximately 5% of the total energy density of the universe. In this hypothesis, this 5% is interpreted not as a fixed final value, but as a current stage in an ongoing process. The model predicts that the fraction of ordinary matter will increase beyond 5% over cosmological time, as dark matter is progressively converted.The model further predicts continuous, eternal creation and expansion, with no beginning and no end of the universe in time.We present the model, its formalization, three falsifiable predictions, and its limitations. The hypothesis is presented for peer review and testing, not as a proven theory.