[an error occurred while processing this directive]
May 16, 2012
Our Evolving Universe
A physicist's representation of the instant after the collision of two lead nuclei, showing the liberated green, red and blue quarks in the "primordial soup" that existed immediately after the Big Bang.
The Big Bang

It is generally accepted that a massive explosion spawned the universe, creating space and time and generating all the matter and energy the universe will ever hold. It is unclear exactly what triggered this sudden cataclysm in the vacuum of space. It is clear that for an incomprehensibly short period of time, the universe was an infinitely dense fireball.

Scientists believe that a process called inflation was suddenly and wildly activated, enabling a specific, idiosyncratic type of energy to push out and expand the fabric of space. The expansion slowed as this odd energy was transformed into matter and a more familiar type of energy.
previous next
advertisement

Picture(s): DCI | H.Webe/CERN, Frankfurt University/Associated Press |

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTERS

Discovery Channel | TLC | Animal Planet | Discovery Health | Science Channel | Planet Green
Discovery Kids | Military Channel | Discovery News | Investigation Discovery | HD Theater | Turbo | FitTV

HowStuffWorks | TreeHugger | Petfinder | PetVideo | Discovery Education

Visit the Discovery Store: Toys & Games | Telescopes | DVD Sets | Planet Earth DVD | Gift Ideas

By visiting this site, you agree to the terms and conditions
of our Visitor Agreement. Please read. Privacy Policy.
ATTENTION! We recently updated our privacy policy. The changes are effective as of September 10, 2008.
To see the new policy, click here. Questions? See the policy for the contact information.

Copyright © 2012 Discovery Communications, LLC.

The leading global real-world media and entertainment company.