Formation of the universe & solar system

Formation of the Universe & Solar System

The Big Bang Theory

• 13.7 billion years ago

• States that the universe began at a singularity (a hot, small, dense force) and started rapidly expanding

• Hubble observed that galaxies are moving further away from one another --> The universe is constantly expanding --> "Hubble's Law"

Evidence?

• Galaxies are constantly moving away (expanding)

• Cosmic Background Radiation, the afterglow of the Big Bang, can be observed

• Dark energy (mass --> gravity --> slows)

Multiple Choice

How long ago did the Big Bang occur?

• 4.6 million years ago

• 4.6 billion years ago

• 13.7 million years ago

• 13.7 billion years ago

Multiple Choice

Galaxies are...

• getting closer to one another

• getting further apart from one another

• remaining the same distance from one another

Nebular Theory

Formation of the Solar System (4.6 bya)

Formation of the Solar System

• 1. Nebula (cloud of gas & dust) --> gravity pulls on this cloud

• 2. Gravity collapses the nebula flat and begins to spin. Sun (H + He) forms in center

• 3. Heavier elements collide & clump (accretion) to form planets

Multiple Choice

How long ago did the Big Bang occur?

• 4.6 million years ago

• 4.6 billion years ago

• 13.7 million years ago

• 13.7 billion years ago