What is the Big Bang Theory Balloon Demonstration

What is the Big Bang Theory?

Balloon Demonstration… l l l 1. Partially inflate a balloon. Twist the opening and hold it shut. 2. Draw and label four squares A, B, C, & D on the balloon. Measure the distance between the squares. Record the data. 3. Inflate the balloon to its fullest capacity. Repeat your measurements.

l l l Balloon Demonstration… What happened to the distances between the dots as you inflated the balloon? Did some of the dots move farther apart than others? Why? Suppose the balloon represents the universe. How does this activity show what is happening to the universe and to the galaxies in it?

What’s in a universe? A universe contains the Earth and everything on it. l It also contains everything in the solar system. l All stars, of which the Sun is one, are part of the universe. l

Astronomers Think… l l They believe the universe was created 10 -15 billion years ago. Billions of years ago, the Universe was very small. (Ten times smaller than a dot you make on a piece of paper with your pencil) All the matter in space was compacted into a tiny dot called a SINGULARITY. A huge explosion, referred to by astronomers as the Big Bang, sent the entire universe flying out at incredible speeds.

Who created the Big Bang Theory? l Johannes Kepler

Astronomers Believe… l l l l Eventually matter cooled and condensed into galaxies and stars. Planets formed. That the universe is still expanding. Edwin Hubble supported this Theory with his telescope. He Observed leftover radiation From the explosion and Discovered that the universe is expanding

Astronomers Think… l l Astronomers have discovered the outward motion of the galaxies have only slowed down a little since Big Bang. The universe may continue to get Bigger and Bigger forever!

Let’s review… l Who created the Big Bang Theory? l Explain the Big Bang Theory. A huge explosion, referred to by astronomers as the Big Bang, sent the entire universe flying out at incredible speeds. The universe is still expanding. l