The opposing forces of universal expansion and gravitational pull have created the existing components in the universe. These include galaxies, planets, orbit stars, galaxy clusters, and space debris. Inflationary cosmological theories predict that due to fast rate of universal expansion, non-uniform clumps of material first formed. Although observable instances of these clumps are only the largest specimens, one can deduce that their properties are applicable to smaller materials as well. Two billion years since the occurrence of the genesis, “matter had cooled enough for gravitational attraction to operate effectively. Clumps began to coalesce as they underwent gravitational contraction. Nonuniformities were exaggerated by this process, so that the universe became progressively “clumpier.” However, the detailed mechanism by which the first galaxies and large universal structures formed is still unclear.” (Hakkila, 1996, p.16)
Once again, there are competing theories for explaining the early days of the universe. The first theory says that gravitational contraction played an important role in the formation of the biggest structures. It was proposed that smaller structures formed later due to wear and tear of large structures. “This top-down formation would have first produced superclusters and filaments from very large matter nonuniformities, with clusters of galaxies forming later. The clusters would then have fragmented and undergone gravitational contraction to produce individual galaxies, within which smaller structures such as star clusters, stars, and planets would finally have formed.” Another theory that attempts to explain the early days of the universe claims that smaller structures formed first and later led to larger universal structures due to the effect of gravity. “This bottom-up formation would have produced stars first from small anomalies in the distribution of gas. Gravity would have drawn together large groups of stars to form galaxies, and these later would have combined to form clusters and superclusters of galaxies.” (Hakkila, 1996, p.16)
Hence, in conclusion, it is quite clear that there are competing theories to explain the origins of the universe. While the Big Bang theory is accepted as the default framework for further analysis, it leaves open many unanswered questions. There are also apparent paradoxes associated with the theory, for it fails to account for the initial moments of the life of the universe. There is a theoretical void in explaining the events preceding the Big Bang as well. Added to this, the propensity for some of the universal constants to change in value skews many mathematical projections and predictions. In some cases, such changes in value can totally invalidate a theory. But despite all these drawbacks in astrophysics of today, the subject continues to fascinate experts and laypeople alike. And as human curiosity leads to further discoveries about the cosmos, our intellectual horizons will also widen.
Works Cited
All the scholarly sources perused for this essay were selected on the basis of their authenticity, the reputation of the publications and the expertise of its authors.
Fisher, Arthur. “How Old Is the Universe?.” Popular Science Oct. 1999: 35.
– The title of this article was relevant to the essay in that the questions of age and origins are closely allied.
Grasse Tyson, Neil de. “The Size and Age of the Universe.” Natural History Feb. 1995: 72+.
– The magazine Natural History is of high repute and the author is a renowned scholar.
Hakkila, Jon. “Genesis in the Modern Universe.” National Forum Winter 1996: 16+.
– This article address the mystery of the genesis head on, which is why it was chosen.
“Peering into the Universe: Images from the Hubble Space Telescope.” Phi Kappa Phi Forum Fall 2002: 26+.
– This article helps understand the value of the Hubble telescope and the insights it has provided us into the workings of the planet. Phi Kappa Phi Forum is a technical magazine catered to advanced readers.
Weiss, P. “Universe in Flux: Constant of Nature Might Have Changed.” Science News 29 Apr. 2006: 259.
– The challenges created by changing universal constants are dealt with in this article. Science News magazine covers astronomy and astrophysics in detail.
Wersinger, J-M. “Genesis: the Origin of the Universe.” National Forum Winter 1996: 9+.
– This write-up treats the subject of genesis in-depth and presents the success and failures of the scientific community in accounting for the Big Bang.