Cosmic Microwave Background #895739

Cosmic Microwave Background explores the relic thermal radiation from the Big Bang, offering insights into the early universe and fundamental physics. This book journeys into the science behind the CMB, explaining how temperature fluctuations reveal conditions just 380,000 years after the universe's birth. By analyzing this afterglow, physicists test theories, determine the universe's age and composition, and investigate the origins of galaxies and large-scale structures. Intriguingly, the CMB's discovery by Penzias and Wilson was accidental, yet it confirmed a cornerstone of cosmological theory. The book emphasizes that the CMB is not just a historical artifact but a continuous source of cosmological data, refining our universe models. The approach blends scientific rigor with accessibility, targeting students and scientifically curious readers. It begins by laying groundwork with the Big Bang theory, then transitions to the CMB's discovery. A significant portion explains the CMB's physics, formation, anisotropies, and measurement techniques. Drawing on data from missions like COBE, WMAP, and Planck, the book demonstrates how sophisticated telescopes enhance our knowledge. It also addresses cosmological parameters derived from CMB observations, such as the Hubble constant, the density of dark matter and dark energy, and how these parameters either confirm or challenge existing models, progressing chapter by chapter.