Cosmic Microwave Background Surveys

In summary, the conversation discusses the relationship between surveys of the Milky Way and the concept of it being a 'closed' system. The question of whether the surveys were based on data from the visible Universe or restricted to data within the Milky Way is also brought up. It is clarified that the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) is present everywhere in the universe, originating from the Big Bang and currently located 45 billion light years away from the Milky Way.
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Martyn Arthur
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TL;DR Summary
Is the survey Universally representative?
If I understand correctly, by reference say here, the results seem to relate to a survey of the Milky Way.
1. Is the Milky Way a 'closed' system?
2. Whether or not, were the surveys based on data from the visible Universe, or restricted in all or part to the data form 'within' the Milky Way.
 
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Apologies, I intended to post only the link, not realizing it would start the video off!
 
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The CMB is everywhere in the universe. The radiation comes from the hot plasma of the Big Bang and has been travelling since then. The stuff that emitted the radiation we now see as the CMB is currently around 45 billion light years away, far beyond the Milky Way.
 
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That is very clear thank you
martyn
 
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1. What is the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB)?

The Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) is a faint glow of radiation that permeates the entire universe. It is the oldest light in the universe, dating back to just 380,000 years after the Big Bang. It is the remnant of the intense heat and light that filled the early universe, and it provides us with valuable information about the origins and evolution of the universe.

2. How is the CMB surveyed?

The CMB is surveyed using specialized instruments called radio telescopes. These telescopes are designed to detect and measure the faint microwaves emitted by the CMB. They are often placed in remote locations with minimal interference from human-made sources of radio waves.

3. What can we learn from CMB surveys?

CMB surveys provide us with valuable information about the composition, structure, and evolution of the universe. By studying the patterns and fluctuations in the CMB, scientists can learn about the distribution of matter and energy in the universe, the expansion rate of the universe, and even the existence of dark matter and dark energy.

4. How do CMB surveys contribute to our understanding of the Big Bang theory?

CMB surveys play a crucial role in our understanding of the Big Bang theory. The CMB is considered one of the strongest pieces of evidence for the Big Bang, as it supports the predictions of this theory, such as the uniformity and isotropy of the universe. By studying the CMB, scientists can also test and refine different aspects of the Big Bang theory.

5. What are some current and future CMB survey projects?

Some current and future CMB survey projects include the Planck satellite mission, the Atacama Cosmology Telescope, and the Simons Observatory. These projects aim to map the CMB with higher resolution and sensitivity, providing us with even more detailed information about the early universe. Other future projects, such as the Cosmic Microwave Background Stage 4 (CMB-S4), will also use the CMB to study inflation, dark energy, and other fundamental questions about the universe.

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