The Universe
The Universe is all the matter and energy that exists in every place that surrounds and involves everything in and outside of Earth.
The Origin of the Universe
People have long wondered how the universe formed. Their were several theories on how the universe was born. One theory (again, this is a theory, not proven fact!) was the steady state theory. It states that the universe is staying the same, will stay the same, and always stay the same it has been forever. THe universe always has existed and always will. As matter in the universe expands outward, new matter is crated to keep the overall density of the universe the same or in a steady state. However, evidence indicates that the universe was much different in the past from what it is today.
A second idea is called the oscillating model. It states that the uniberse began with expansion occurring in all areas of the universe. After a long period of time, the expansion of the universe slowed and the matter in the universe contracted, causing a "Big Crunch". Then the process began again and again, repeating over and over, oscillating back and forth.
Neither of these theories can be proven or disproven, but evidence suggests that a third idea is more likely to be correct.
A second idea is called the oscillating model. It states that the uniberse began with expansion occurring in all areas of the universe. After a long period of time, the expansion of the universe slowed and the matter in the universe contracted, causing a "Big Crunch". Then the process began again and again, repeating over and over, oscillating back and forth.
Neither of these theories can be proven or disproven, but evidence suggests that a third idea is more likely to be correct.
The Big Bang Theory
When scientists determined that hte universe was expanding, they now know that galaxies must have been closer together millions of years ago. This brought a new theory called the Big Bang Theory. This theory states that 12 billion to 15 billion years ago, the universe began with an enormous explosion. This expanded the universe everywhere at the same time.
Whether the universe will expand forever or stop expanding is still not known. If enough matter exists, gravity might halt the expansion, and the universe will contract until everything comes to a single point. However, recent studies of distant supernovas indicate that some energy might be causing the universe to expand faster. If this is correct, the universe might expand forever.
Whether the universe will expand forever or stop expanding is still not known. If enough matter exists, gravity might halt the expansion, and the universe will contract until everything comes to a single point. However, recent studies of distant supernovas indicate that some energy might be causing the universe to expand faster. If this is correct, the universe might expand forever.