Identify and describe galaxies as a component part of the universe.
Identify and describe characteristics of the universe.
Describe current scientific views of how the universe formed and how those views evolved.
Compare and evaluate different current scientific views of how the universe formed. 3 sentences
Galaxies are large groups of stars, gas, and dust held together by gravity. They are a component part of the universe, along with other celestial objects like planets, asteroids, and comets. Galaxies come in different shapes and sizes, ranging from spiral galaxies to elliptical galaxies.
The universe is a vast expanse that encompasses everything that exists – all matter, energy, and space. It consists of billions of galaxies, each containing billions of stars, and is constantly expanding. It is believed to be approximately 13.8 billion years old.
The currently accepted scientific view of how the universe formed is the Big Bang theory. According to this theory, the universe began as a singularity – a point of infinite density and temperature. About 13.8 billion years ago, this singularity began to expand rapidly, creating space, time, and all matter and energy. Over time, galaxies formed as matter clumped together under the influence of gravity.
The views on how the universe formed have evolved over time. Initially, theories like the steady-state theory proposed that the universe has always existed in a state roughly similar to its current state. However, the discovery of cosmic microwave background radiation in 1965 provided strong evidence in support of the Big Bang theory. Subsequent observations and experiments have further bolstered this theory, solidifying it as the prevailing explanation for the formation of the universe.
While there are alternative scientific views and theories on the formation of the universe, such as the oscillating universe model or the multiverse theory, the Big Bang theory remains the most widely accepted and supported by evidence. These alternative theories, although fascinating, lack sufficient empirical evidence and have not gained the same level of scientific consensus as the Big Bang theory.