Big Bang theory and cosmological origins

Big Bang Theory

Blake Williams

It is commonly believed among the field of astronomy that the universe began with a "Big Bang (Dominey, 2011)." This big bang was a powerful explosion of space and time that sent matter and energy outward into what was then a vast state of nothingness. This position as to the Big Bang is based upon Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity and the later discovery in the 1960s of cosmic microwaves but for most lay persons understanding the details of the Big Bang Theory is nearly impossible.

The theory claims that when the big bang occurred, matter, energy, space and time were all formed, and that the universe at that time was extremely hot and incredibly dense. Presently all the best minds in science have no idea what came before the Big Bang Theory. They have no answer.

Part of the Big Bang Theory is the belief that the universe immediately began to expand following the big bang and that as it expanded the cooling process began. The cooling resulted in matter being condensed. This matter developed almost instantly into the basic building blocks that were needed for the formation of life: carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, helium, etc. This cooling procedure took thousands and thousands of year during which time the seeds were sown for the development of stars, galaxies and planets. As this process unfolded, the universe began to resemble what it is today.

For most of man's history the mysteries of the universe remained unanswered and formed the basis of considerable mysticism. This remained so until science evolved as a process and the questions as to the universe could begin to be answered. For most of humanity's history the mysteries regarding the universe formed the basis of cultural beliefs. The development of science and related technology has contributed to a better understanding of the mysteries of the universe. By the beginning of the 20th century astronomers had been able to design a better understanding of the universe in regard to at least the stars and the planets. Astronomers, however, lacked the capacity to discern much beyond basic information. They had no idea how large the galaxy in which the earth is located was nor were they able to tell whether the earth's galaxy constituted the entire universe. This has all changed as the twentieth century has progressed and greater proof has emerged that supports the Big Bang Theory.

Since the Big Bang Theory was first offered as an explanation for how the universe was created a number of misconceptions circulated among the public. As an example, many people believe that the big bang actually involved a giant explosion. It has now been demonstrated that there was no explosion, but instead, the process involved an expansion. The elements that were released at the time of the big bang just kept rapidly expanding until the universe was formed. In fact, this expansion continues to this very day. It is also imagined that the big bang involved a fireball but this would not have been possible because at the time that the big bang occurred the necessary elements for creating a fire did not exist. The big bang occurred at a time when there was a vast nothingness. A fire was not possible.

Evidence for the legitimacy of the Big Bang Theory grew throughout the twentieth century. First, simple reason dictates that the universe had to have a beginning. For centuries other explanations were offered but as science began to play a more significant role in society the value of reason became more widely accepted as well.

Second, the adoption of Hubble's Law which demonstrates that the galaxies are moving away from the earth's galaxy supports the expansion of the universe and correspondingly that the universe was once quite compacted. Hubble's Law, which was named after the individual who discovered the phenomena, Edwin Hubble, was formulated in 1929.

Finally, in 1965, two astronomers, Arno Penzias and Robert Wilson, discovered an extremely hot cosmic microwave that was suspected to be a remnant of the conditions that existed at the time of the Big Bang. This microwave was found in the distant universe where it would be expected to be as a result of the universe's expansion.