Based on the mathematical similarity between the Friedman open metric and
Godel's metric in the case of nearby distances, we investigate a new scenario
for the Universe's evolution, where the present Friedman universe originates
from a primordial Godel universe by a phase transition during which the
cosmological constant vanishes. Using Hubble's constant and the present matter
density as input, we show that the radius and density of the primordial Godel
universe are close, in order of magnitude, to the present values, and that the
time of expansion coincides with the age of the Universe in the standard
Friedman model. In addition, the conservation of angular momentum provides, in
this context, a possible origin for the rotation of galaxies, leading to a
relation between the masses and spins corroborated by observational data.Comment: Extended version, accepted for publication in Physical Review