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.
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 key moments in the history of cosmology.
- What was the Great Debate of 1920? Learn about Challenging Heliocentrism
- Learn about past cosmological models with Dr. Karin Öberg
- Watch a video about cosmology before and after einstein’s Theory of Gravitation
- Read about the discovery of exoplanets and the ongoing search for habitable life
FORMATION OF THE UNIVERSE
Articles and videos about whether and how the universe began- How did we get here? Learn about Big Bang Cosmology with Dr. Karin Öberg [VIDEO]
- What is the Goldilocks Principle?
- Did the Universe have a Beginning? Read about Alexander Vilenkin's research on this question.
STARS, GALAXIES, AND BLACK HOLES
Read, watch, and learn about the cosmology of stars, galaxies, and black holes.
- Watch a video about how the edge of our galaxy defies known physics
- How a blind astronomer, Wanda Diaz Merced, found a way to hear stars
- What can Cosmic Dust tell us about our solar system?
- How does the Hubble Telescope work? [VIDEO]
- Learn about the ideas behind black holes
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? Watch Purposeful Universe's award winning video with Karin Öberg
- Find out what exoplanets mean for us
- Explore the James Webb Telescope [VIDEO]
- Read about scientists' progress in the search for habitable exoplanets
THE JAMES WEBB SPACE TELESCOPE
News and information about the exciting James Webb Space Telescope
- Take a look at Webb Telescope’s first images
- James Webb’s First Images: See light from the early universe
- Meet Natalie Batalha and Natasha Batalha, JWST’s Mother-Daughter Team
- Learn how the James Webb Telescope is different from Hubble
Image credit: NASA
VIDEOS ABOUT COSMOLOGY
Watch experts' discoveries and positioning on cosmology to learn more about cosmological arguments and the science that governs our universe.
ARTICLES ABOUT COSMOLOGY
Read about cosmological topics and breakthroughs in the science behind our universe.
Alexander Vilenkin: Did the Universe have a Beginning?
A Review of Christ, Science, and Reason
Are We Alone in the Universe?
SHORT COSMOLOGY VIDEOS
Only have a minute? These short videos are packed with amazing facts and insights about cosmology.
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COMMON COSMOLOGY QUESTIONS
Answers to frequently asked questions about cosmology:
- Dr. Stephen Barr addresses the possibility of a multiverse.
- Alexander Vilenkin addresses the question of what happened before inflation?