help

Why is the CMB Uniform if the Universe Started at a Singularity?

-- | July 10, 2016

Question: How can the CMB from the Big Bang be all around us in every direction. If the universe started as a singularity, why isn’t there a center or starting point to the universe? — Neil

Answer: What you are seeing in the CMB represents the universe as it appeared shortly after a point in time called “recombination”, which was the point when neutral hydrogen becomes stable, allowing protons and electrons to combine to form stable hydrogen. This occurred some 400,000 years after the Big Bang.

Jeff Mangum

Facebook
Pinterest
Twitter
Linkedin

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the U.S. National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.
	Founded in 1956, the NRAO provides state-of-the-art radio telescope facilities for use by the international scientific community. NRAO telescopes are open to all astronomers regardless of institutional or national affiliation. Observing time on NRAO telescopes is available on a competitive basis to qualified scientists after evaluation of research proposals on the basis of scientific merit, the capability of the instruments to do the work, and the availability of the telescope during the requested time. NRAO also provides both formal and informal programs in education and public outreach for teachers, students, the general public, and the media.
	The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 "to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense..."
	AUI collaborates with the scientific community and research sponsors to plan, build, and operate cutting-edge facilities. We cultivate excellence, deliver value, enhance education, and engage the public.