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Scientifically aware or not, the Big Bang theory is certainly known by many. The introduction of the concept of the Big Bang in the 1930s changed the human perception of the origin of our universe. The premise is simple: the universe was created after a sudden explosion in space, a big bang, hence the name. Read on to know 15 mind blowing facts about the Big Bang.
Proposed & Published in the 20th Century
The Big Bang theory was proposed in the 20th century, particularly in 1927, by Georges Lemaître, a Belgian cosmologist and Catholic priest. The theory was later published in 1931. Over the following decades, the theory was further developed and refined to what is scientifically known today.
Explanation for How the Universe Began
As per the Big Bang theory, the universe began 13.8 billion years ago as a tiny, dense focal point. The theory leads to a scientific explanation using a comprehensive framework. While there are still unanswered questions and areas for further exploration, the Big Bang theory is still widely accepted as the genesis story of our universe.
Reason Behind the Name
The name ‘Big Bang’ was given skeptically during a radio program by astronomer Fred Hoyle. He was using the term to mock the concept and was favoring the term Steady-State Theory.’ However, the Big Bang stuck with many due to its explanation for a wide range of astronomical observations.
Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation
The Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation is one of the most important pieces of evidence supporting the Big Bang theory. It states that the radiation fills the universe with a faint afterglow of the hot, dense early universe. After its discovery in 1965, it is seen as microwave radiation originating from all directions in space.
Primordial Nucleosynthesis
The method by which light atomic nuclei (lithium, helium, and hydrogen) formed during the initial few minutes following the Big Bang is called primordial nucleosynthesis. Nuclear fusion events produced these light elements using protons and neutrons during primordial nucleosynthesis. It is, therefore, the exact ratios of these elements in the cosmos that support the Big Bang theory.
Not an Explosion in the Space
As we typically think of explosions, the Big Bang was not particularly an explosion in space. Rather, it is akin to space expansion. The surprising fact states that it does not occur at a particular place but everywhere simultaneously. The event formed galaxies, stars, and all the structures of the universe.
Universe was Initially Extremely Hot
During the first few moments of the Big Bang theory, the universe was extremely hot. In the earliest stages, the universe was full of radiation energies that increased the temperature and pressure. In just a fraction of a microsecond, the temperature reached trillion degrees! As the universe expanded and cooled over time, the temperature began to fall and stabilize.
Does Not Determine the Shape of the Universe
The Big Bang theory still does not directly determine the shape of the universe. Scientists have yet to figure out whether the universe is flat, open, or closed. According to several theories, the universe is very close to being flat. The same idea also aligns with predictions made by inflationary theory.
Does Not Explain The Initial Trigger
The Big Bang theory explains a lot about the universe. However, it does not explain what triggered the initial event or the ‘Explosion.’ The theory clarifies the evolution of the universe after this initial event, but what led to the initial trigger is yet scientifically unknown. It remains unanswered in cosmology.
Dark Ages
Once the initial burst of the Big Bang faded, the universe went into dark ages. During that period, there were no stars or galaxies emitting light, but everything around was only darkness. It was when the universe was full of a hot, ionized plasma made of hydrogen and helium atoms.
Cooling Period and Formation of Galaxies and Stars
After the end of ‘The Dark Ages,’ the universe began to cool and expand. It was when the first stars and galaxies began to form, leading towards the beginning of the cosmic dawn. Over time, the gravitational attraction also became stronger. The ‘Cooling Period’ marks the transition from a hot, uniform plasma to the universe we see today.
Does Not Conflict with Religious Beliefs
Many religious traditions reconcile their beliefs with scientific explanations of the Big Bang. Scriptures like the Bible have various interpretations regarding the creation of the universe. Many civilisations view science and religion as complementary ways of understanding the world. Despite individual differences, there is no inherent conflict between the two.
Albert Einstein Once Refused the Big Bang
Albert Einstein initially had reservations about the concept of the Big Bang. His objections were not a straightforward disbelief, though. He once proposed a ‘static universe model,’ suggesting the universe was eternal and unchanging. However, as astronomers discovered evidence supporting the expansion, Einstein reconsidered his take and adjusted his equations.
None Saw Big Bang
No one witnessed the Big Bang, of course, but scientists picked the evidence left behind. Things like the cosmic microwave background radiation, the way galaxies are moving away from each other, and the presence of many elements suggest the theory. For those who want to view it, there are many television documentaries and educational programs.
Also Predicts the End of The Universe
The Big Bang also predicts the end of the universe. As per scientific evidence, the universe will end in a Big Rip/ Big Crunch/ Big Freeze. Big Rip means when the universe grows larger than gravity. Big Crunch means when the expansion cannot overcome the pull of gravity. Whereas Big Freeze means the universe shrinks in size or decreases.
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