Theories on the Origin of the Universe
One of the most controversial topics of the 20th and 21st Centuries is the origin of our universe. Many theories and beliefs have been formed throughout the ages based on religious and scientific views alike. However the two main scientific theories considered to be at the forefront of our understanding are the Steady State Theory and the Big Bang Theory.
Steady State Theory was first developed by Sir James Jeans around 1920. It is the idea that the Universe maintains a constant average density, with new matter being continuously created at the same rate as old matter becomes extinct. A Steady State Universe has no beginning or end in time and galaxies of all possible ages are
intertwined.
intertwined.
The Big Bang Theory was first suggested by a Belgian priest named Georges Lemaitre in the 1920's who theorized that the universe came from a single atom, in rivalry with the Steady State Theory. Today, the Big Bang theory is the most popular and widely recognised theory of our universe's origin. The theory was founded on the observation that other galaxies are moving away from our own at great speed, in all directions, as if they had all been propelled by a central force; the Big Bang. Before the
Big Bang, scientists believe the entire substance of the observable universe was condensed into a single sphere, just a few millimetres thick. This mass is known as the God Particle; an ancient and unknown type of energy.
Big Bang, scientists believe the entire substance of the observable universe was condensed into a single sphere, just a few millimetres thick. This mass is known as the God Particle; an ancient and unknown type of energy.
Like any opposing scientific theories, there is evidence for and against each one. The Steady State theory is seen as a
now-obsolete theory in comparison with the Big Bang theory. However in the 1940's, Sir Fred Hoyle rocked the scientific community when he developed a mathematical model of the universe that did not start in a massive expansion but rather suggesting a constant state of all things, past and present. Although the Steady State theorist's findings are discredited today due to lack of evidence, this rivalry forced big bang theorists to push the boundaries of research and find major breakthroughs.
The Doppler Effect is a shift frequency observed by scientists which supports the Big Bang Theory. If the frequency is lowered it is known as a Red Shift and if the frequency is raised it is known as a Blue Shift. Objects travelling away from us emit a red light and objects moving towards us emit blue. The red shift can be observed in the light spectra of galaxies, which establishes the universe is indeed expanding. This supports the Big Bang Theory as it proves there was a point of origin of our universe from which galaxies are constantly expanding from.
My personal belief about the origins of the universe is the Big Bang Theory as there is more evidence to support it than the Steady State Theory. I believe there are things we will never be able to explain by science, but must have faith in.
now-obsolete theory in comparison with the Big Bang theory. However in the 1940's, Sir Fred Hoyle rocked the scientific community when he developed a mathematical model of the universe that did not start in a massive expansion but rather suggesting a constant state of all things, past and present. Although the Steady State theorist's findings are discredited today due to lack of evidence, this rivalry forced big bang theorists to push the boundaries of research and find major breakthroughs.
The Doppler Effect is a shift frequency observed by scientists which supports the Big Bang Theory. If the frequency is lowered it is known as a Red Shift and if the frequency is raised it is known as a Blue Shift. Objects travelling away from us emit a red light and objects moving towards us emit blue. The red shift can be observed in the light spectra of galaxies, which establishes the universe is indeed expanding. This supports the Big Bang Theory as it proves there was a point of origin of our universe from which galaxies are constantly expanding from.
My personal belief about the origins of the universe is the Big Bang Theory as there is more evidence to support it than the Steady State Theory. I believe there are things we will never be able to explain by science, but must have faith in.
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