THE UNIVERSE Essential Questions

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: SC.912.E.5.1: Cite evidence used to develop and verify the scientific theory of the Big Bang (also known as the Big Bang Theory) of the origin of the universe SC.912.E.5.2: Identify patterns in the organization and distribution of matter in the universe and the forces that determine them

How Was the Universe Formed? Most scientists accept the Big Bang Theory It proposes that the universe was formed after an extremely small, extremely dense bit of matter suddenly and rapidly expanded, releasing vast amount of energy. As a result, space, time and the building blocks of matter were created. Use the link below to learn about the Big Bang Theory. http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20140812-how-was-the-universe-created

What Evidence is there for the Big Bang Theory? When scientists discovered that the Universe was expanding, they realized that it must have been much smaller in the distant past They theorized that a “singularity” must have occurred that gave birth to the Universe Evidence for the singularity is the cosmic microwave background radiation that can be found throughout the entire universe Image of the cosmic microwave background radiation distributed throughout the universe Use the link to watch a video that explains the evidence for the Big Bang Theory. http://www.universetoday.com/106498/what-is-the-evidence-for-the-big-bang/

How Do We Know the Universe is Expanding? As light stretches, it gives off a red hue, or red-shift. Stars moving away from the Earth have a red-shift, which is evidence that the Universe is expanding. Use the link below to learn how Edwin Hubble discovered that not only did the Universe contain many galaxies, but that it was expanding at a rapid rate. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVApTLE7Csc

How Big is the Universe? The distance from one observable edge of the universe to the other is about 92 billion light years A light year is the distance light travels in one year, which is about six trillion miles Use the link below to learn how scientists calculate the size of the universe. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaX4iGw-b_Y

Methods Scientists Use to Measure Distance in Space? Scientist can measure distance in space by using standard candles (or the brightness of known objects) and parallax (position in relation to Earth) Use the link below to learn how scientists use technology to compare the size of the universe and objects in it to a grain of sand. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AC7yFDb1zOA

How Old is the Universe? The universe is about 14 billion years old Scientists determined the Universe’s age by studying the oldest objects in the Universe and measuring the rate of the Universe’s expansion Use the link below to learn about key events in the history of the Universe. http://www.pbs.org/deepspace/timeline/

What is the Cosmic Web or Structure of the Universe? The Universe consists of innumerable stars These stars organize to form galaxies, which in turn form galaxy groups, galaxy clusters and superclusters Filaments of dark matter (matter we cannot see), the largest structures in space, form vast voids Together, these structures make up the "cosmic web” of the Universe. Use the link to learned about the structure of the Universe. http://www.space.com/11381-fade-black-universe-evolution-animated.html (Video takes some time to buffer)

What are Clusters and Superclusters? Galaxy clusters are groups of galaxies that travel together. Our Milky Way galaxy travels in a cluster called the Local Group. Superclusters are the largest visible objects in the universe. They are groups of galaxy clusters. Use the link below to learn about the Laniakea Supercluster, which contains our own Milky Way. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rENyyRwxpHo Diagram of the Laniakea Supercluster

What Type of Galaxies Make up the Universe? Galaxies are collections of stars, dust and gas that form into a variety of shapes Galaxies are typically classified as elliptical, spiral, barred spiral or irregular Each type has unique characteristics Use the link below to learn about the different types of galaxies. http://www.teachertube.com/video/galaxies-of-the-universe-67743?utm_source=video-google&utm_medium=video-view&utm_term=video&utm_content=video-page&utm_campaign=video-view-page

What Type of Galaxy is the Milky Way? Our Milky Way has all of the characteristic features of a spiral galaxy, which includes the central bulge and spiraling arms. Use the link below to learn about the characteristics of the Milky Way. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKmUeruJPbk

What is Galactic Cannibalism? Galactic cannibalism is the term used to describe what occurs when two galaxies collide with each other and parts of one are absorbed into the other. Scientists have predicted that our Milky Way will, in the distant future, collide with its closest and larger neighbor, Andromeda. Use the link below to learn about galactic cannibalism. http://www.space.com/9814-cookbook-galactic-cannibalism.html

What are Supermassive Black Holes? Supermassive black holes are found in the center of almost all large galaxies They are millions, sometimes billions, times more massive than stellar black holes (black holes formed by supermassive stars) Black holes are areas of space where the gravitational pull is so strong that nothing can escape, not even light. Use the link below to see images of the Milky Way’s supermassive black hole “having a snack.” http://www.space.com/18539-milky-way-s-supermassive-black-hole-seen-eating-something-video.html (Video takes some time to buffer)

What Causes Quasars? Quasars are the brightest objects in the universe Quasars are thought to be a stage in the development if young galaxies When too much material is taken into a galaxy’s black hole, the material is ejected into space in the form of large jets of energy Use the link below to learn how quasars are formed. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qil7bKy1NrQ

What are Nebulae? Nebulae are the birthplace of stars They are clouds of interstellar gas and dust that form as a result of the death of stars There are four types of nebulae, planetary, dark, reflection and glowing Use the link below to learn about nebulae. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pN5fSt03F7M

What are Star Clusters? Star clusters can form within galaxies Globular clusters are made up of numerous, very old stars and are typically symmetrical in shape Open clusters have much fewer stars The stars are, in comparison with other stars in the galaxy, very young There is no definitive shape to an open cluster Globular Cluster Open Cluster Use the link below to learn about the differences between globular and open clusters. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=an4rgJ3O21A

What are the Types of Star Systems in the Milky Way? While most star systems have only one star, like our solar system, many star systems have two or more stars Binary star systems have two stars that orbit each other Multiple star systems can have anywhere between three and seven stars Binary Star System Albireo Use the link below to learn about the kinds of star systems that make up the Milky Way. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIFiCLhJmig