Big Bang Theory Origins

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How many detectors did the BICEP2 experiment use?

768 detectors

512 detectors (correct)

1024 detectors

256 detectors

What analogy is used to describe the approach of the team in building their experiment?

Building a telescope on a printed circuit board (correct)

Building a computer on a printed circuit board

Building a radio on a printed circuit board

Building a microscope on a printed circuit board

What is the main purpose of the new experiment with 2,560 detectors?

To observe cosmic microwave background

To study the expansion of the universe (correct)

To measure cosmic radiation levels

To analyze data from previous experiments

What scientific field are theorists benefiting from due to the experiments mentioned in the text?

Astrophysics Signup and view all the answers

Where have the results of the study mentioned in the text been submitted?

Journal Nature Signup and view all the answers

What is the main idea of the passage?

Georges Lemaitre's theory about the origin of the universe. Signup and view all the answers

Who was known for assigning the central place in the universe to Earth before the modern heliocentric system?

Nicolaus Copernicus Signup and view all the answers

Who played a significant role in boosting the Big Bang Theory according to the passage?

Edwin Hubble Signup and view all the answers

Which observation by Edwin Hubble supported the Big Bang Theory?

Galaxies moving away from us in all directions Signup and view all the answers

What is the cosmic microwave background radiation thought to be?

Remnant of leftover light from the Big Bang Signup and view all the answers

According to the passage, what remains an unanswered question in the Big Bang Theory?

The original cause of the Big Bang Signup and view all the answers

How does the cosmic microwave background radiation differ from TV signals?

Age of the radiation Signup and view all the answers

Why is water considered an excellent solvent for life as we know it?

It floats when frozen, preventing the underlying fluid from freezing further. Signup and view all the answers

What is the importance of a planet being in the habitable zone of its star for the existence of life?

It ensures that water remains in its liquid state on the planet's surface. Signup and view all the answers

What would happen if water behaved differently when frozen?

It would lead to all water getting frozen, making chemical reactions essential for life impossible. Signup and view all the answers

Why do astronomers focus on planets in habitable zones when searching for extraterrestrial life?

To identify planets where liquid water can potentially exist on the surface. Signup and view all the answers

What makes a liquid solvent necessary for life as we know it?

To allow DNA and proteins to swim around and interact, carrying out life-sustaining reactions. Signup and view all the answers

Why is having a liquid solvent important for life?

To allow molecules to react and interact, enabling life processes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason behind the success of the team in producing compelling evidence for the B-mode signal?

The use of novel superconducting detectors Signup and view all the answers

How did Anthony Turner describe the devices used in the collaboration?

Combining superconductivity with tiny structures visible under a microscope Signup and view all the answers

What temperature does the whole detector system operate at during the experiments?

0.25 Kelvin Signup and view all the answers

What is unique about the array of detectors developed by Bock and Turner?

They have the ability to detect polarization Signup and view all the answers

Why was developing a new architecture necessary for the challenging measurement?

To achieve the sensitivity needed to detect the B-mode signal Signup and view all the answers

Which institutions are major contributors to the collaboration mentioned in the text?

Caltech, JPL, Stanford University, Harvard University, University of Minnesota Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of energy for life on Earth?

Sunlight Signup and view all the answers

If Earth's orbit had been slightly closer to the sun, it might have ended up like which planet mentioned in the text?

Venus Signup and view all the answers

How do extremophile organisms survive harsh conditions on Earth?

By living underground Signup and view all the answers

What solvent is mentioned in the text that might host life on other planets?

Liquid methane and ethane Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Saturn's moon, Titan, in relation to potential alien life?

It has liquid methane and ethane Signup and view all the answers

Why do some organisms on Earth subsist on sources of energy other than sunlight?

'Without energy, virtually nothing would happen' Signup and view all the answers