Topic > The scientific study of cosmology

IndexFoundations of Big Bang cosmology and geometry of the universeTest of Big Bang cosmologyBeyond Big Bang cosmologyThe fate of the Universe Cosmology is the scientific study of the large-scale properties of the universe in its whole. It strives to use the scientific method to understand the origin, evolution, and ultimate destiny of the universe. Cosmology involves the formation of theories or hypotheses about the universe that make specific predictions for a phenomenon that can be tested with observations. The prevailing theory on the origin and evolution of our universe is the “Big Bang theory”. This article also lets us know the fate of the universe. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Fundamentals of Big Bang Cosmology and the Geometry of the Universe The Big Bang model is a widely accepted theory for the evolution of the universe. The Big Bang cosmological model is based on two ideas: general theory of relativity and cosmological principle. General Relativity: Gravity is no longer described by a gravitational field but rather as a distortion of space-time. Cosmological principle: matter in the universe is homogeneous and isotropic. Starting from the assumption that the cosmological principle, it can be shown that the corresponding distortion of space-time can have only three forms, as shown in fig. The geometry of the Universe: O0>1 appears positively curved like a ball O0 O0=1 appears flat. Matter plays a central role in cosmology. It turns out that the average density of matter uniquely determines the geometry of the universe. If the density of matter is greater than the critical density, the universe is closed. If it is less than the critical density the universe is open, if it is the same the universe is flat. (the value of the critical density is 6 atoms of H/m3). Given the law of gravity and hypotheses about how matter is distributed, the next step is to work out the dynamics of the universe, or how space and the matter in it evolve over time. Further information about the expansion of the universe depends on the amount of matter it contains. In the past, space was considered static, but it was Hubble who discovered the possibility of expansion of the universe while studying distant galaxies. Testing Big Bang Cosmology The Big Bang model is supported by a number of important observations. The expansion of the universe: it was “Sir Edwin Hubble” who observed that galaxies were moving away from us. It was the first clue to the “Big Bang theory”. The abundance of the light elements H, He, Li: the “Big Bang theory” predicts that these light elements should have fused from protons and neutrons in the first minutes after the “Big Bang”. Cosmic microwave background radiation: Cosmic microwave background radiation is the residual heat left over from the “Big Bang”. These three tests strongly support the “Big Bang Theory”. Beyond Big Bang Cosmology The “Big Bang theory” is incomplete. It fails to explain why the universe is so uniform on large scales or nonuniform on small scales. This is a very useful approximation for starting from the basics. But we must go beyond the Big Bang to understand the universe. We need an extension of the Big Bang Theory – Inflation Theory. This refers to the explosively rapid expansion of Space-Time. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay The Fate of the Universe The ultimate fate of the universe is “Big Crunch” or “Infinite Expansion”. The fate of the universe is governed by density. If the density of the universe is less than the critical density,”.