Paper
Evidence for evolution as support for big bang
Published Dec 1, 1997 · Gopal-Krishna
Journal of Astrophysics and Astronomy
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Abstract
With the exception ofZERO, the concept ofBIG BANG is by far the most bizarre creation of the human mind. Three classical pillars of the Big Bang model of the origin of the universe are generally thought to be: (i) The abundances of the light elements; (ii) the microwave background radiation; and (iii) the change with cosmic epoch in the average properties of galaxies (both active and non-active types). Evidence is also mounting for redshift dependence of the intergalactic medium, as discussed elsewhere in this volume in detail. In this contribution, I endeavour to highlight a selection of recent advances pertaining to the third category.The widely different levels of confidence in the claimed observational constraints in the field of cosmology can be guaged from the following excerpts from two leading astrophysicists: “I would bet odds of 10 to 1 on the validity of the general ‘hot Big Bang’ concept as a description of how our universe has evolved since it was around 1 sec. old”-M. Rees (1995), in ‘Perspectives in Astrophysical Cosmology’CUP. “With the much more sensitive observations available today, no astrophysical property shows evidence of evolution, such as was claimed in the 1950s to disprove the Steady State theory”-F. Hoyle (1987), in ‘Fifty years in cosmology’, B.M. Birla Memorial Lecture, Hyderabad, India.The burgeoning multi-wavelength culture in astronomy has provided a tremendous boost to observational cosmology in recent years. We now proceed to illustrate this with a sequence of examples which reinforce the picture of an evolving universe. Also provided are some relevant details of the data used in these studies so that their scope can be independently judged by the readers.
Recent advances in astronomy support the Big Bang model, with evidence for an evolving universe emerging from the abundances of light elements, microwave background radiation, and changes in galaxies' properties.
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