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starkind
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Why do we require a background-free theory when we have such a convenient and universal cosmic microwave background map?
starkind said:Why then do we suppose a curved universe is inherently different from a flat one?
CMB stands for Cosmic Microwave Background, which is a type of radiation that permeates the entire universe. It is considered a background because it is present everywhere and is the oldest light in the universe, dating back to the Big Bang.
CMB was discovered in 1964 by Arno Penzias and Robert Wilson using a radio telescope. They were studying radio waves in space and found a constant noise that was not coming from any known source. After ruling out other possibilities, they realized that it was coming from all directions in the sky and was therefore a background radiation.
The discovery of CMB was a major piece of evidence for the Big Bang theory. It provided a way to test and confirm the theory, as it predicted the existence of a leftover radiation from the early stages of the universe. Additionally, the uniformity and temperature of CMB across the sky, as observed by various experiments, further support the Big Bang theory and the existence of CMB.
While the Big Bang theory is the most widely accepted explanation for CMB, there have been some alternative theories proposed. One of these is the Steady State theory, which suggests that the universe has always existed and is constantly expanding. However, this theory has been largely disproven by the discovery of CMB and other evidence.
CMB is an important tool for understanding the origins and evolution of the universe. However, it is not a complete explanation and there are still many unanswered questions. Therefore, scientists continue to search for alternative theories and explanations in order to gain a deeper understanding of the universe. Additionally, having alternative theories can help to test and refine our understanding of CMB and the Big Bang theory.