How Do CMB and Redshift Support Universe Expansion?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the proof of universe expansion through the equations of General Relativity, specifically utilizing the Friedmann-Lemaître-Robertson-Walker (FRW) metric and Friedman's equations. It is established that while a static solution exists with the Einstein static universe, it is unstable and relies on specific parameter values. Observational evidence overwhelmingly supports the conclusion that the universe is expanding, despite the theoretical possibility of a static universe.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of General Relativity
  • Familiarity with Friedmann-Lemaître-Robertson-Walker (FRW) metric
  • Knowledge of Friedman's equations
  • Concept of cosmological constants
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of the Friedmann-Lemaître-Robertson-Walker metric in cosmology
  • Study the derivation and applications of Friedman's equations
  • Explore the role of cosmological constants in universe models
  • Investigate observational evidence for universe expansion, such as redshift measurements
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, physicists, and students of cosmology who are interested in the mathematical foundations of universe expansion and the implications of General Relativity.

bchui
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Where can we find the prove of universe expansion from the equations of General Relativity?
 
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bchui said:
Where can we find the prove of universe expansion from the equations of General Relativity?

First you need to make some assumptions - that the universe is homogeneous and isotropic.

Then the solution of Einstein's equations is a FRW metric, see for instance http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friedmann-Lemaître-Robertson-Walker_metric

The expansion or contraction is governed by Friedman's equations

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friedmann_equations


If you add a cosmological constant to these equations, there is a static solution (the Einstein static universe), but it is unstable, and also requires some very special parameter values.

So you can't quite "prove" that the universe must be expanding or contracting (as there is the static Einstein solution), but it would require a lot of coincidences to have this happen if GR is correct.

Of course, observation strongly suggests that the universe is expanding.
 

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