Issue 1 – Origins of the Universe – Scientific Theories

Evidence Supporting Inflationary Theories

https://www.space.com/20330-cosmic-microwave-background-explained-infographic.html

In its infancy the CMB’s evidence base for the Big Bang theory came under attack. The distribution of microwave radiation appeared to be uniform and smooth (i.e. at the same temperature) throughout the whole universe. However, the distribution of matter (planets, stars etc) was obviously distributed in clumps. This paradox stamped scientists for over 30 years.

After better radio telescopes were developed, maps of the night sky showed that there were indeed brighter and darker spots of radiation in the night sky. This showed that the distribution of matter and energy in the moments after the Big Bang was not as uniform and smooth as was once thought.

The crucial aspect of the increased ability to measure CMB was the collection of DATA. With data, predictions could be rigorously tested and theories properly scrutinised using the scientific method.