6.9 - The Origin of the Universe

Scientific theories develop as evidence improves

• The Big Bang is the best theory available at the moment, not a final answer.
• Science works by testing theories against observations:
  • New evidence that agrees with a theory strengthens it.
  • New evidence that contradicts a theory forces scientists to change or replace it.

The role of better telescopes

• Modern telescopes can detect new regions of the electromagnetic spectrum.
• Telescopes on satellites above the Earth's atmosphere provide clearer data.