When did the big bang happen
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When Did the Big Bang Happen?
Introduction to the Big Bang Theory
The Big Bang theory is a cornerstone of modern cosmology, positing that the universe originated from a singular, cataclysmic explosion. This event is estimated to have occurred between ten and twenty billion years ago, marking the beginning of the universe as we know it1.
Historical Context and Development
The concept of the Big Bang was first proposed by Georges Lemaitre in 1927. Lemaitre theorized that the universe began from a "primeval atom" or "l’atome primitif," which he likened to a large radioactive nucleus that started to decay. His work laid the foundation for understanding the redshift of distant galaxies, a key piece of evidence supporting the Big Bang theory2.
The Naming and Acceptance of the Big Bang
The term "Big Bang" was coined by Fred Hoyle in 1949. Despite its now widespread use, the term did not gain immediate acceptance within the scientific community. It took nearly two decades for the term to become a household name in both scientific and popular contexts. The name "Big Bang" reflects the initial state of the universe, which is estimated to have occurred around fourteen billion years ago3.
Alternative Theories
While the Big Bang theory is widely accepted, there are alternative theories. Some researchers argue that the universe is too vast to have originated from a single explosion. They propose a "plasma universe" model, suggesting that the cosmos is slowly growing in giant strands of plasma, connecting various cosmic systems1.
Conclusion
The Big Bang theory, suggesting that the universe began between ten and twenty billion years ago, remains a fundamental concept in cosmology. Despite alternative theories and the initial slow acceptance of the term, the Big Bang has become a central idea in understanding the origins and evolution of the universe1 2 3.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
THE BIG BANG NEVER HAPPENED
The big bang theory is challenged by a plasma universe, which is too large to have been created from a single explosion 20 billion years ago, and instead grows slowly in giant strands connecting the smallest particles of matter to an infinity of different cosmic systems.
Highly CitedWhen It All Began: Big Bang
The Big Bang theory suggests that the universe was created from a dense, hot primordial matter, similar to a radioactive nucleus decaying.
Naming the Big Bang
The name Big Bang has a richer and more surprising history than commonly assumed, and its etymological approach provides insights into the historical understanding of the emergence of modern cosmology.
Witnesses to the birth of the big bang
Ralph Alpher, George Gamow and Robert Herman's book is a valuable record of the early days of the big bang theory, when it was a science-based idea.
Theism, Atheism, and Big Bang Cosmology.
The Big Bang cosmology supports either theism or atheism, with William Lane Craig arguing for the Big Bang being created by God and Quentin Smith arguing against it.
Highly CitedWhat's in a Name: History and Meanings of the Term 'Big Bang'
The term 'big bang' has a richer and more surprising history than commonly assumed, and the literature on modern cosmology often makes common mistakes and errors.
What happened before the Big Bang
The precise state of the Universe before the Big Bang remains unanswered, requiring assumptions and prejudices for understanding its pre-Big Bang state.
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