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Cosmology Concepts
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Big Bang Theory
The prevailing cosmological model explaining the origin of the universe, suggesting it began as a singularity around 13.8 billion years ago, and has been expanding ever since.
Dark Energy
A hypothetical form of energy that permeates all of space and accounts for the accelerating expansion of the universe.
Redshift
The increase in wavelength (and corresponding decrease in frequency) of light from an object moving away from the observer, used as evidence for the expanding universe.
Cosmological Principle
The assumption that the universe is homogeneous and isotropic on large scales, which is fundamental to cosmological models.
Cosmic Inflation
A theory proposing a period of extremely rapid expansion of the universe shortly after the Big Bang, solving the horizon and flatness problems.
Dark Matter
A type of matter that does not emit electromagnetic radiation, making it invisible and detectable only through its gravitational effects.
Hubble's Law
The observation that the recessional velocity of galaxies is proportional to their distance from us, which supports the theory of an expanding universe.
Hubble's Constant ()
The rate at which the universe is expanding, given in kilometers per second per megaparsec (km/s/Mpc).
Baryonic Matter
Ordinary matter consisting of protons, neutrons, and electrons, which makes up the visible component of the universe such as stars and planets.
Structure Formation
The theoretical study and modeling of how small primordial inhomogeneities evolved into the stars, galaxies, and clusters observed in the universe today.
Cosmological Redshift
The redshift of distant galaxies caused by the expansion of the universe, described by the scale factor relating the observed wavelength to the emitted wavelength at the source.
Olbers' Paradox
The paradox that a static, infinite, and eternal universe would result in a bright night sky, while in reality the night sky is dark, hinting at a dynamic and finite universe.
Lambda-CDM Model
The standard model of cosmology that includes the cosmological constant () associated with dark energy, and cold dark matter (CDM), fitting the large-scale structure and observations of the universe.
Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB)
The thermal radiation left over from the time of recombination after the Big Bang, and is a vital source of information on the early universe.
The Anthropic Principle
A philosophical consideration that observations of the universe must be compatible with the conscious life that observes it, affecting the interpretation of cosmological data.
Galactic Filaments
Large-scale structures composed of gravitationally bound galaxies and clusters, forming a web-like pattern in the universe with vast empty voids in between.
Cosmological Horizon
The maximum distance from which light from objects could have traveled to the observer in the age of the universe, delineating the observable part of the universe.
Gravitational Lensing
The bending of light by massive objects, such as galaxies or clusters of galaxies, illustrating Einstein's theory of general relativity and helping to map dark matter.
Recombination
The epoch in the early universe when free electrons combined with protons to form neutral hydrogen, leading to the decoupling of matter and radiation.
The Multiverse Theory
A speculative theory suggesting the existence of multiple universes with different physical constants and laws, beyond our own observable universe.
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