The Big Bang Theory
The Big Bang Theory is the leading scientific explanation for the origin of the universe, describing its expansion from an extremely hot, dense initial state approximately 13.8 billion years ago.
Describing a universe that began not with a literal explosion but with an extraordinarily rapid expansion from an unimaginably dense state, this theory remains the best-supported scientific explanation for how everything began.
An Expanding Universe
The Big Bang theory proposes that the universe began approximately 13.8 billion years ago from an extremely hot, dense state, and has been continuously expanding ever since.
Key Supporting Evidence
The theory is supported by significant observational evidence, including the discovery of cosmic microwave background radiation, a faint afterglow of the early universe detectable throughout space.
Hubble's Contribution
Edwin Hubble's observation that distant galaxies are moving away from us, with more distant galaxies receding faster, provided crucial early evidence supporting the theory of cosmic expansion.
An Ongoing Area of Research
While the Big Bang theory is well-supported, scientists continue researching open questions about the earliest moments after the Big Bang, including the nature of cosmic inflation and dark energy.