Transition from opaque universe to release of CMB

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Thread starter Bill McKeeman
Start date Jun 25, 2016
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Cmb Release Transition Universe

In summary, the opaque universe refers to the early period of the universe where it was filled with dense and hot particles, making it impossible for light to travel through. It transitioned to being transparent through a process called recombination, allowing light to travel freely. The cosmic microwave background (CMB) is the leftover radiation from the Big Bang, and its release is directly related to the transition from an opaque to a transparent universe. Studying the CMB provides valuable information about the composition, structure, and history of the universe, and its evolution.

Jun 25, 2016

Bill McKeeman

What is known about how long it took to transition from an opaque universe to the release of the cosmic microwave background?

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Jun 26, 2016

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The usual publications about the CMB cover that, chances are good tons of websites will also mention it. The CMB light we see mainly comes from a period of ~20,000 years, about 380,000 years after the big bang.

What is the opaque universe?

The opaque universe refers to the period of time in the early universe when it was filled with a dense and hot plasma of particles that made it impossible for light to travel through. This resulted in the universe being "opaque" or opaque to light.

How did the universe transition from being opaque to being transparent?

The universe transitioned from being opaque to transparent through a process called recombination, which occurred approximately 380,000 years after the Big Bang. During recombination, the universe cooled down enough for electrons and protons to combine and form neutral atoms, allowing light to travel freely through the universe.

What is the cosmic microwave background (CMB)?

The cosmic microwave background (CMB) is the leftover radiation from the Big Bang that permeates the entire universe. It is often referred to as the "afterglow" of the Big Bang and is the oldest light in the universe.

How does the release of CMB relate to the transition from an opaque universe?

The release of CMB is directly related to the transition from an opaque universe to a transparent one. As the universe became transparent, the CMB was able to travel freely and was released, filling the universe with a faint glow of microwave radiation.

What information can we gather from studying the CMB?

Studying the CMB allows us to learn more about the early universe and its evolution. By analyzing the temperature and polarization patterns of the CMB, we can gather information about the composition, structure, and history of the universe, providing valuable insights into the fundamental laws of physics and the origin of the universe.