See the Light of Creation: Viewing the Big Bang

  • Thread starter arj67
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Big bang
In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of seeing light from the big bang and the challenges of building a neutrino telescope to observe it. It is noted that light was emitted almost simultaneously at every point in space, but it took about 380000 years for the light to reach us and we will never see photons emitted before that time. The question is raised about the speed at which the material from the big bang moved away from the point of origin, but there is no specific point of the big bang and the concept of distance from it may not be accurate.
  • #1
arj67
2
0
I've heard it stated on popular TV science programs that light from the big bang could seen if we could look far enough into empty space. How could we get where we are before the light from the process that created us?
 
Astronomy news on Phys.org
  • #2
That light was emitted almost simultaneously at every point in space, about 380000 years after the big bang. Right now we're seing the light that was emitted a specific distance from us. Tomorrow, we'll see the light that was emitted a little bit further away.
 
  • #3
A neutrino telescope could theoretically peer back to nearly the time of the big event itself. Building such an instrument is a challenge. We will, however, never see photons emitted sooner than about 380.000 years after the big bang. Space was opaque to photons prior to that time.
 
  • #4
The comments are interesting, but the question has to do with the speed of light and the speed at which the material that made up our solar system moved away from the point of the big bang. We are at some distance from the point of the big bang and we must have traveled faster than the speed of light if we could now see the light from the process that created us 14 to 20 billion years ago. Is there some other explanation?
 
  • #5
arj67 said:
We are at some distance from the point of the big bang
This is incorrect. There is no "point of the big bang". I have written some comments about that in other posts. I suggest you start with this one, and then read the ones I'm linking to in the quote near the end.

This is a direct link to the article I'm mentioning there.
 

1. What is the Big Bang theory?

The Big Bang theory is a scientific explanation for the origin of the universe. It proposes that the universe began as a singularity, a point of infinite density and temperature, approximately 13.8 billion years ago. From this singularity, the universe rapidly expanded and continues to expand to this day.

2. How do we know about the Big Bang?

Scientists have gathered evidence for the Big Bang theory through observations of the universe, including the cosmic microwave background radiation, the abundance of light elements, and the expansion of the universe. Additionally, mathematical models and simulations have helped to support and refine the theory.

3. Can we see the Big Bang?

No, we cannot see the Big Bang itself. The intense radiation from the Big Bang has long since faded away and is now observed as the cosmic microwave background radiation. However, we can observe the effects of the Big Bang, such as the expansion of the universe, the formation of galaxies and stars, and the distribution of matter and energy.

4. What is the significance of studying the Big Bang?

Studying the Big Bang helps us understand the origins of the universe and how it has evolved over time. It also allows us to make predictions about the future of the universe. Additionally, the Big Bang theory has led to many other important discoveries and advancements in fields such as cosmology, astrophysics, and particle physics.

5. Are there any competing theories to the Big Bang?

Yes, there are several competing theories to the Big Bang, such as the Steady State theory and the Oscillating Universe theory. However, the Big Bang theory is currently the most widely accepted explanation for the origin of the universe, as it is supported by a vast amount of evidence and fits well with our current understanding of physics.

Similar threads

B The Hubble deep field photos and the edge of the universe
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
17
Views
2K
I Universe is older than we think
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
3
Views
693
I Paradox: How can we look back at the Big Bang?
    • Cosmology
Replies
31
Views
2K
B What fueled the Big Bang explosion?
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
20
Views
3K
B Did anyone actually see the space moving faster than light?
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
24
Views
3K
Stargazing Hubble Spots Farthest Star Ever Seen
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
9
Views
1K
B Before Big Bang: Can We See What's Beyond?
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
18
Views
3K
B Is the Universe Inside a Black Hole?
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
Replies
28
Views
5K
"Big Bang" according to the 19th century poet ("Science-v-Poetry")
    • General Discussion
Replies
7
Views
602
B When light arrives at the end of space, what happens?
    • Astronomy and Astrophysics
2
Replies
49
Views
7K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top