Learning from Light: The Big Bang

Objective: Explain the origin of the universe

according to the Big Bang theory

http://www.rug.nl/museum/tentoonstellingen/archief/ruimte

Review purposes only

A. Electromagnetic radiation is energy released by
stars in the form of waves (see ESRT)
1. Many types, together known as electromagnetic
spectrum (visible light is only 1 kind)
2. Types have different wavelengths

http://www.yourdictionary.com/images/ahd/jpg/A4wavele.jpg

Review purposes only

3. Wavelength varies indirectly with energy content
4. ROYGBIV, which is more energetic red or violet?

http://www.spacetoday.org/images/DeepSpace/Telescopes/GreatObservatories/Chandra/ChandraSpectrum.jpg

Observe an exploded star at different wavelengths. Vis.

Review purposes only

B. Astronomers use a spectroscope to study types of star
spectra (sing. spectrum)
1. Continuous spectrum- source emits light of all wavelengths
2. Emission spectrum- source emits some wavelengths
3. Absorption spectrum- cool gases absorb some wavelengths
depending on their composition

http://members.tripod.com/mroleary/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/mypicture16.jpeg

Click here to visit a Very cool interactive spectroscopy link!

Review purposes only

Define galaxy and describe the various types

A. Galaxies are clusters of millions to billions of stars
B. Ours is the Milky Way
C. Likely 50-100 billion galaxies
D. Many shapes exist

http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/image/0402/skymt_payne_big.jpg
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/08/images/050817_milkywaybar.jpg

5. The Universe
A. Includes all visible galaxies
B. Age thought to be 10-20 billion years old
C. Big Bang is best theory of formation
1. Initial hot explosion
2. Gases & dust cooled & condensed locally into
planets, stars, & galaxies
3. Material still spreading out from explosion
4. Best evidence includes red shift of light from
other galaxies

How big is our universe??

Molecular Expressions: Science, O
ptics and You - Secret Worlds: Th
e Universe Within - Interactive J
ava Tutorial

5. The Universe
Light from distant galaxies all appears to
have a longer wavelength than expected.
The most obvious reason is that they are
moving away from us as they emit light so
the light looks stretched to us.

Longer wavelengths

Shorter wavelengths

5. The Universe

See credits for film on next slide

Sources
Future of the Milky Way, The. Discovery Channel School.
2003. unitedstreaming. 21 February 2006
<http://www.unitedstreaming.com/>