Scientists Discover Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation
Summary
Scientists discovered the cosmic microwave background radiation in 1965 while studying a persistent radio signal at Bell Labs. The ancient light provides key evidence for the Big Bang and helps explain the universe’s origin, age, and expansion.
Key Points
- Arno Penzias and Robert Wilson discovered a mysterious radio signal at Bell Labs in New Jersey that turned out to be cosmic microwave background radiation.
- The radiation provided strong evidence for the Big Bang theory and became a cornerstone of modern cosmology.
- CMBR reveals tiny temperature fluctuations that seeded stars, galaxies, and planetary systems.
- Missions such as COBE, WMAP, and Planck later refined measurements of the universe’s early light.
