Origin of the Universe

• The universe encompasses everything, including all space, matter, and energy within it.

Theories of the Universe's Origin

• There are multiple theories for how the universe began.

Creation Theory

• Originates from the religious conviction that the Earth and universe were created by God in 7 days.

Big Bang Theory

• The universe began with a violent cosmic explosion that propelled ancient matter in all directions.
• Astronomers use it to explain the universe's beginning.
• Initially, the universe was a single point that expanded and stretched to its current size.
• COBE Spacecraft data supports this theory.
• Approximately 13.8 billion years ago, the universe experienced cosmic inflation, expanding faster than light for a brief period.
• Scientists are unsure about the cause or preceding events of inflation.
• Energy during inflation may have been part of the fabric of space-time.
• The early universe consisted of hot, tiny particles mixed with light and energy.
• As the universe expanded, it cooled, leading to the formation of atoms.
• Atoms grouped together to form stars and galaxies over time.
• Initial stars produced larger atoms and groupings, resulting in more star formation.
• Galaxies collided and merged and as new stars were born and died, asteroids, comets, planets, and black holes formed.

Steady State Theory

• Proposed that matter and energy are continuously created at a steady rate.
• Sir James Jeans theorized it in the 1920s.
• States the universe has no beginning or end.
• The universe has always been expanding and creating matter and will continue to do so.
• Contradictory evidence suggests it is largely false, despite revisions and updates in the 20th century.