I don't understand the evidence or possibility of the Big Bang

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the Big Bang Theory, specifically exploring the evidence and reasoning that support it, as well as alternative explanations for observed phenomena such as the cosmic microwave background and redshift in galaxies. Participants express confusion regarding the theory's popularity and seek clarification on various aspects of cosmological observations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how observations and theories support the Big Bang Theory, suggesting that the cosmic microwave background could have alternative explanations.
  • Another participant proposes that redshift in galaxies might be a local phenomenon rather than indicative of galaxies moving away from each other.
  • There is a suggestion to consult a cosmology textbook to better understand the considerations that led to the acceptance of the Big Bang Theory.
  • A participant notes the difficulty in addressing broad questions without knowing the specific observations the original poster is familiar with.
  • One participant briefly mentions that the universe did not collapse into a black hole due to its expansion, referencing other threads for further information.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion reflects a lack of consensus, with participants presenting differing viewpoints on the validity of the Big Bang Theory and the explanations for cosmic observations. Some express skepticism about the theory's acceptance while others suggest it is well-supported by existing observations.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the breadth of the original poster's knowledge, which limits the ability to provide targeted responses. The discussion also highlights the complexity of cosmological concepts and the need for foundational understanding before delving into specific claims.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in cosmology, particularly those seeking to understand the foundational evidence for the Big Bang Theory and the ongoing debates surrounding it.

spacecapitalist
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TL;DR
I have seen scientists everywhere support the Big Bang Theory but I don't understand how it is possible. Why didn't the universe just collapse into a black hole. I also don't see why our observations can't be explained by other phenomenon.
I don't understand how observations of the universe and theories behind the cosmos support the Big Bang Theory. For example, the microwave background could be explained through different mechanisms in space. Couldn't the red shift in galaxies be explained by something that occurred in the galaxy? Assuming that red shift does mean that galaxies are moving away, could it be a local phenomenon? I also want to know if there are other observations that I don't know about that support the Big Bang Theory. Please help me understand why the Big Bang Theory is so popular.
 
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spacecapitalist said:
Please help me understand why the Big Bang Theory is so popular.

Because it explains a lot of observations very parsimoniously.

spacecapitalist said:
the microwave background could be explained through different mechanisms in space. Couldn't the red shift in galaxies be explained by something that occurred in the galaxy? Assuming that red shift does mean that galaxies are moving away, could it be a local phenomenon?

I suggest that you crack open a textbook on cosmology (Riddle would be a good choice) and learn how cosmologists have considered all of these questions already, and why they have settled on the Big Bang theory as our best current model.

spacecapitalist said:
I also want to know if there are other observations that I don't know about that support the Big Bang Theory.

It's impossible to answer this since we don't know what observations you know about. In any case, taking the time to work through a textbook on cosmology will give you a good knowledge of all of the observations we currently have.

As a shorter introduction than a textbook, you could try Ned Wright's site:

http://www.astro.ucla.edu/~wright/cosmolog.htm

The "frequently asked questions" and "tutorial" links will probably address a lot of questions you have.

spacecapitalist said:
Why didn't the universe just collapse into a black hole.

The answer to this you can find in plenty of other threads here on PF (as well as in a textbook or, IIRC, in Ned Wright's FAQ). Briefly, because the universe was expanding.
 
spacecapitalist said:
Please help me understand why the Big Bang Theory is so popular.

Your questions are much too broad for a useful PF discussion beyond the brief responses and suggestions I have already provided. If you have a more specific question about a particular claim or observation after you have spent some time learning the basics, you can start a new thread on that specific question.

Thread closed.
 

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