Universe Origin: How Could Galaxy be 13B Light Years Away?

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In summary, the Big Bang Theory is the widely accepted explanation for the origin of the universe, proposing that it began as a single point that suddenly expanded. Scientists determine the distance of galaxies through various methods, including the cosmic distance ladder. The expansion of the universe allows us to observe galaxies that are 13 billion light years away, providing evidence for the Big Bang Theory and informing our understanding of the universe's age and evolution. It is possible that there are galaxies even farther away than 13 billion light years, and ongoing discoveries continue to expand our knowledge of the vastness of the universe.
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Trimike
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I have recently read that a galaxy has been observed that is 13 billion light years from us.
If the origin of the universe occurred 13.7 billion years ago, how did the galaxy obtain its position relative to us in 700 million years?
 
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Galaxies were formed before 700 million years succeeding the Dark Ages, during the Reionization period, hence the light traveled here in ~13 billion years. What's the conflict? There may very well be galaxies further than 13.7 billions years, space doesn't accelerate at a rate constant to 1 light year per year.
 
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FAQ: Universe Origin: How Could Galaxy be 13B Light Years Away?

1. What is the Big Bang Theory?

The Big Bang Theory is the most widely accepted explanation for the origin of the universe. It proposes that the universe began as a single, extremely dense and hot point about 13.8 billion years ago. This point suddenly expanded, creating the vast expanse of space we see today.

2. How do we know the distance of galaxies?

Scientists use different methods to determine the distance of galaxies, such as measuring the brightness and size of a galaxy, analyzing its spectral lines, and using the cosmic distance ladder. The cosmic distance ladder relies on the measurement of nearby objects to estimate the distance of more distant objects, including galaxies.

3. How can galaxies be 13 billion light years away if the universe is only 13.8 billion years old?

This is due to the expansion of the universe. The fabric of space itself is expanding, causing distant objects to move away from us at a rate faster than the speed of light. This means that the light from these galaxies has traveled for 13 billion years, but the galaxies are now much farther away due to the expansion of the universe.

4. What is the significance of galaxies being 13 billion light years away?

The fact that we can observe galaxies that are 13 billion light years away tells us about the age of the universe and the rate of its expansion. It also provides evidence for the Big Bang Theory and helps us understand the evolution of the universe.

5. Could there be galaxies even farther than 13 billion light years away?

Yes, it is possible that there are galaxies that are even farther away from us than 13 billion light years. Scientists continue to discover new and distant galaxies through advanced telescopes and technologies, providing us with a better understanding of the vastness of the universe.

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