Understanding the Expanding Universe

Marty Behsman asks about the expansion of space. The response covers historical beliefs about a static universe, the discovery of the expanding universe by Edwin Hubble, and the concept of red shift. It highlights the unexpected acceleration of the universe's expansion and the mystery of dark matter. The discussion emphasizes the importance of supporting basic research for future discoveries in astrophysics and understanding our place in the cosmos.

What question does Marty Behsman ask about space?

• Why is space shrinking?

• Does space expand at a faster and less controlled rate?

• Is space static and unchanging?

• How do stars form in space?

What was the common belief about the universe in the speaker's grandfather's time?

• The universe was constantly expanding.

• The universe was static and unchanging.

• The universe was shrinking.

• The universe was a recent creation.

Who is credited with discovering the expanding universe?

• Galileo Galilei

• Edwin Hubble

• Isaac Newton

• Albert Einstein

What phenomenon did Hubble use to determine that stars were moving away?

• Blue shift

• Red shift

• Gravitational lensing

• Cosmic microwave background

What was the initial assumption about the universe's expansion after Hubble's discovery?

• It would continue to accelerate.

• It would reverse and start contracting.

• It would slow down due to gravity.

• It would stop expanding.

What surprising discovery was made about the universe around the year 2000?

• The universe is filled with visible matter.

• The universe is static.

• The universe is shrinking.

• The universe's expansion is accelerating.

What is the term used for the unseen matter that has a significant gravitational influence?

• Dark energy

• Dark matter

• Antimatter

• Neutrinos

Why is supporting basic research important according to the speaker?

• It is a requirement for all citizens.

• It helps us understand our place in the cosmos.

• It prevents natural disasters.

• It leads to immediate financial gain.

What technological advancement is mentioned as a result of understanding physics?

• Solar panels

• Electric cars

• Nuclear power plants

• Smartphones

What does the speaker encourage Marty to do when voting?

• Vote for the most popular candidate.

• Ignore scientific advancements.

• Support basic research.

• Focus on economic policies.