Age of Universe: Defining Time from Big Bang

In summary, the current estimated age of the Universe is approximately 13.8 billion years old, determined by measuring the expansion rate and studying the oldest objects. The Big Bang is believed to have occurred at the same time, but the exact moment is still unknown. Scientists use various methods such as measuring cosmic microwave background radiation and studying expansion rate and oldest objects to estimate the age. However, the age is not constant and is continuously increasing due to the expansion of the Universe. The age cannot be determined with 100% accuracy, as there is always room for improvement and a margin of error in our understanding of the Universe.
  • #1
Chewz
1
0
I may be simplifying but if the universe is spacetime and time is local how can you define a time elapsed from the big bang for the whole Universe?
 
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  • #2
Hi, Chewz,

Welcome to PF!

That's a good question, and Marcus has written up a nice answer to it as part of our cosmology FAQ: https://www.physicsforums.com/showpost.php?p=3332515&postcount=7

-Ben
 

1. How old is the Universe?

The current estimated age of the Universe is approximately 13.8 billion years old. This age is determined using various methods such as measuring the expansion rate of the Universe and studying the oldest objects in the Universe.

2. When did the Big Bang occur?

The Big Bang is believed to have occurred approximately 13.8 billion years ago. However, the exact moment of the Big Bang is still unknown and is a topic of ongoing research and debate among scientists.

3. How do scientists measure the age of the Universe?

Scientists use various methods such as measuring the cosmic microwave background radiation, studying the expansion rate of the Universe, and analyzing the oldest objects in the Universe (such as globular clusters and white dwarf stars) to estimate the age of the Universe.

4. Is the age of the Universe constant?

No, the age of the Universe is not constant. It has been changing since the Big Bang due to the expansion of the Universe. As the Universe expands, time also expands, meaning that the age of the Universe is continuously increasing.

5. Can the age of the Universe be determined with 100% accuracy?

No, the age of the Universe cannot be determined with 100% accuracy. Scientists use the best available data and methods to estimate the age, but there is always a margin of error and room for improvement in our understanding of the Universe's origins and evolution.

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