What is Cosmology?
Cosmology is the study of the origin of the universe, how it became what it is today, and how it continues to evolve.
Cosmology Meaning
To uncover whether the universe has underlying order, it is essential to understand how, or if, the universe began. And to believe that the universe has purpose begs some understanding of how it all came to be.
Here you'll find a diverse collection of articles, videos and other resources that elaborate on cosmological models, theories and research for a deeper understanding of how our universe works and what its purpose may be.
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Core Cosmology Topics
History of Cosmology
Our knowledge and understanding of the universe is ever changing as generations of scientists build on the discoveries of those before them. The articles and videos below dive into a few of these instances.
- Challenging Heliocentrism: The Great Debate of 1920
- Learn about past cosmological models in the award-winning Purposeful Universe video Big Bang Cosmology
- Cosmology Before and After Einstein’s Theory of Gravitation [Video]
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Read about the discovery of exoplanets and the ongoing search for habitable life
Formation of the Universe
How did the universe become what it is today?
- What is string theory?
- Is the multiverse real?
- The Goldilocks Principle
Stars, Galaxies and Black Holes
Read, watch and learn about the cosmology of stars, galaxies and black holes.
- How the Edge of Our Galaxy Defies Known Physics[VIDEO]
- How a Blind Astronomer, Wanda Diaz Merced, Found a Way to Hear Stars
- What Can Cosmic Dust Tell Us About Our Solar System?
- Hubble Science Nebula Video
Exoplanets and Extraterrestrial Life
With an average of over one exoplanet per star in the universe, it seems very possible that there could be life on other plants.
- Are we alone in the universe?
- What Do Exoplanets Mean for Us?
- James Webb Telescope — What Are Astronomers Searching For? [VIDEO]
Videos About Cosmology
Watch experts' latest discoveries and positioning on cosmology to learn more about different cosmological arguments and the science that governs our universe.
Articles About Cosmology
Read experts' latest discoveries and positioning on cosmology to learn more about the science that governs our universe.
What is the evidence for the Big Bang?
- Maggie Ciskanik, M.S., MSc. explains evidence for the Big Bang, including Lemaitre/Hubble Expansion, Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation, and Even Distribution of Matter.
- Dr. Stephen Barr addresses the possibility of a multiverse.
- Alexander Vilenkin addresses the question of what happened before inflation?
What is Dark Matter?
Scientists still aren’t sure what Dark Matter is or if it really exists. The existence of dark matter is based on indirect evidence. Read more in Dr. Vera Rubin and Why Dark Matter Matters.
How old is the universe?
Astronomers believe the universe is 13.7 years old.Could there be intelligent life elsewhere in the universe?
- Are We Alone? The possibility of extraterrestrial life according to a Harvard Astronomer
Why is cosmology important?
- Dr. Karin Öberg explains why cosmology matters in this video.