Possible Theories of the Formation of the Universe
The Big Bang Theory
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All matter and energy was once compressed in
a small area 15-20 billion years ago, a HUGE
explosion sent matter and energy in all
directions.
Gravity began to clump together to form
planets, galaxies, stars, etc.
Evidence: Red Shift: Stellar light is shifted
toward a longer wave length as distance
increases. Blue Shift: Stellar light is shifted
toward a shorter wave length as distance
decreases.
Strengths: Cosmic Background Radiation and
the movement of galaxies and stars; is widely
accepted in the scientific community.
Weaknesses: many question where the atom
came from and leaves many unanswered
questions because it cannot be proven
RED Shift
BLUE Shift
The Steady State Theory
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States that the universe has always existed and will always exist in the form it is right
now.
States new galaxies are appearing out of nothingness and old galaxies are always
disappearing.
No big bang or explosion occurred.
Strength: it has many followers because they feel the universe looks the same from any
angle.
Weaknesses: impossible to test, astronomers say they have evidence that the universe is
expanding and changing, thus disproving this theory.
The Oscillating Universe Theory
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States that the universe has had a series of big bangs (explosions).
States that there are periods of explosions and contractions.
It is a variation of the Big Bang theory.
Strengths: based on the big bang theory, which is widely accepted; many things in the
universe are cyclical and this would also be a cycle.
Weaknesses: no proof that the universe is expanding and contracting.