Big Bang Theory
The big bang theory explains that the universe began as a singularity which is an extremely hot and
dense state that explodes without a sound that causes the expansion about 13.8 billion years ago. This
singularity then rapidly expanded, creating space, time, and all matter and energy in the universe. As the
universe expanded and cooled, matter began to form, eventually leading to the formation of galaxies,
stars, and planet
The evidence for the Big Bang theory
The observations of cosmic microwave background radiation, the abundance of light elements, and the
redshift of galaxies.
Proponents of Bigbang Theory
George neuri joseph eduaoard Lemaitre
1894 – 1966
Belgian cosmologist and catholic priest
The father of big bang theory – suggest that the universe begin as a premival atom that explodes and
cause the explansion of earth
Edwin Powell Hubble
1889 – 1953
American Astronomer
hubbles law (1929) - states that the greater the distance of the galaxy, the faster it recedes being the
proof of expanding universe
Arno Penzias and Robert Wilson
Cosmic Microwave Background – the leftover from the bigbang
Drawbacks
There is no necessary evidence that will prove how the universe originated and it leaves many
unanswered question
Steady State Theory
The Steady State Theory explains that even though the universe is constantly expanding, its overall
appearance and density do not alter over time. It also states that the universe has no beginning nor end
and the production of the matters remains constant.
Proponents
Hermann Bondi, Thomas Gold, and Fred Hoyle
British scientist
Inspired by the circular plot of the late horror movie called “dead of night”
Drawbacks
1960s, radio telescope observation suggested that the universe changed overtime
1963 found a quasars which is a bright object that prove evidence to the evolution of universe over time
1965 discovery of cosmic microwave background challenge the theory
Oscillating Universe Theory
The universe undergoes periods of expansion and contraction. All matter would get hotter and collapse
in an event called “ big crunch” then a new big bang would occur resulting in a new universe.
Proponent:
Alexander Friedmann (1922)
Russian cosmologist and mathematician introduced the Oscillating Universe Theory
Richard C. Tolman (1934)
American mathematician and phycist showed that these early attempts failed because of the cyclic
problem
Drawbacks:
Entropy - measure of a chaos or disorder in a system
Dark Energy - the universe will collapse, the universe accelerating expansion
The Oscillating Universe Theory suggests that once the universe reverses and attains the point of
singularity, another universe will be born. This is referred to as the Big Bounce. Tolman theorized that
the universe may be first in the cycle and could be a result of a previous Big Bounce event.
The nebular theory
is defined as a solar system that originated from the nebula. According to the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration (NASA), a "Nebula" is an interstellar cloud of gas and dust in space. This theory is
the explanation of the formation of the solar systems.
Proponents
• Emanuel Swedenborg - Theologian and Scientist
• Immanuel Kant - Philosopher
• Pierre-Simon Laplace - French polymath
Drawbacks
• Saturn's Reppelling Particles
- assumes that dust particles stick together to form planets
• Law of Angular Momentum
- suggest that the sun should spin faster if the planets form from a spinning cloud.
• Relation of Venus and Uranus
- rotate in the opposite direction (clockwise)
The Encounter Theory
There is a near collision between a passing star and the sun. The star starts to eject materials from the
sun as the gravitational pull of the sun is much higher than the sun which led to formation of planets in
the solar system. The denser are the terrestrial planet while the less dense are the jovian planets.
Proponents
Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon
1707 – 1788
French naturalist, mathematician and cosmologist
Planetesimal Theory
According to the theory, the planets were created by the aggregation of incredibly minute pieces of stuff
from asteroids that circled the sun. When a passing star came dangerously close to striking the sun, it
created this stuff. Hot gases from both stars were drawn out during the near-collision, and the gases
afterwards condensed. For almost 35 years, the planetesimal idea was widely accepted.
Proponents
1900
Forest R. Moulton
1872 - 1952
American Astronomer
Thomas C. Chamberlin
1843 – 1928
American geogolist and educator
Suggested the idea
Drawbacks
The planetesimal theory of the solar system's formation is no longer viable due to the problem of the
material extracted from stars condensing due to weaker gravitational forces, and the resulting gas
evaporation.
Interesting about this theory
Meteorites, the earliest evidence of planetesimals, are being studied by scientists to understand the
early formation of the solar system.
Tidal Theory
There is a contact between the sun and a passing star that ejects material from the sun where the gas
particle condensed into liquid to solid state until it clumped to the formation of the planets.
Proponents
James Jeans
1877 – 1946
English physicist, astronomer and mathematician
Harold Jeffreys
1891 – 1989
British geophysicist
Drawbacks
It contracts with the law when it gets hot the particles expands rather than the clump together that it
suggest
