The other explanation, held by proponents such as Stephen Hawking, asserts that time did not exist when it emerged along with the universe.
[5][6][clarification needed] Despite the research, there is currently no theoretical model that explains the earliest moments of the universe's existence (during the Planck epoch) due to a lack of a testable theory of quantum gravity.
Nevertheless, researchers of string theory, its extensions (such as M-theory), and of loop quantum cosmology, like Barton Zwiebach and Washington Taylor, have proposed solutions to assist in the explanation of the universe's earliest moments.
Physical cosmology is the science that attempts to explain all observations relevant to the development and characteristics of the universe on its largest scale.
Attempted solutions to such questions may include the extrapolation of scientific theories to untested regimes (such as the Planck epoch), or the inclusion of philosophical or religious ideas.