- #1
budd
- 16
- 0
can anybody explain this to joe public?
The expansion of the universe was first discovered through observations of distant galaxies by astronomer Edwin Hubble in the 1920s. Since then, further evidence has been gathered through measurements of the cosmic microwave background radiation and the redshift of light from distant objects.
The expansion of the universe is measured using a unit called the Hubble constant, which describes the rate at which space is expanding. This constant is determined through various methods, including observations of the cosmic microwave background radiation and the use of standard candles such as supernovae.
Yes, recent observations have shown that the expansion of the universe is accelerating. This was a surprising discovery, as it was previously thought that the expansion would eventually slow down due to the gravitational pull of matter in the universe. The reason for this acceleration is still being studied.
The expansion of the universe does not violate the laws of physics, as it is the space between objects that is expanding, not the objects themselves. This means that objects are not actually moving faster than the speed of light, but rather the space between them is expanding at a rate faster than the speed of light.
The current understanding is that the expansion of the universe will continue indefinitely, potentially leading to a "heat death" scenario where the universe becomes cold and dark. However, there are still many unanswered questions and ongoing research in this area, so the future of the universe is still uncertain.