LiveChat Round Up 11/16/12

By Jim Gerard, INSPIRE Education Specialist, KSC, FL

The Big Bang Theory was on last night. No, not the TV show (well, yes it was - did you see Sheldon open that intradimensional portal? Whoops, spoilers!), but our LiveChat featuring Dr. Edward Wollack from Goddard Space Flight Center who talked about his work developing instruments to measure the Big Bang. 54 OLC members were present for this high-level briefing.

COBE - Cosmic Background Explorer Launched 1989

Dr. Edward talked about the astronomical history leading up the big bang hypothesis and the dicovery of the microwave background radiation, the remnant of the bang. The COBE probe enabled scientists to create the first microwave map of the universe, showing the homogeneity of the remnant.

Also discussed was the extent of the universe - whether it is flat and extends forever, curved into a closed system, or open with curved space that extends infinitely. This created some discussion as thoughts about what might be outside this universe 'space' were entertained. 'Multi-verses' and 'branes' were offered to explain what may be out there. As I mentioned, it was BBT IRL*!

Closed, curved and open universes

Next week's LiveChat is on the 'Mastication and Peristalsis of Meleagris gallopavo'. Actually, it is Thanksgiving Day, so no LiveChat next week! We'll meet again on Thursday, November 29 with Dayna Ise of Marshall Space Flight Center who will start our month of Rocketry. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

(*Big Bang Theory in real life!)
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