Friday, August 9, 2019

Cosmology



Cosmology is a branch of astrophysics and is concerned with the very large scale structure of the universe, and its formation and history during its 13.8 billion year lifetime.

Astrophysics is a branch of physics concerned with all of the physical processes in the universe from the solar system on out, including, but not limited to, planetary science, stars and their formation and evolution, galaxy properties and their formation and evolution (which overlaps with cosmology).

(Source: Stephen Perrenod)

Cosmology serves three major functions.
1.     It organizes the sciences into a common theme and plot (theory) so they work together.
2.     This conceptualization provides means for practical lay interface with the sciences for general social function.
3.     The more accurate the theory, the closer to a sustainable model by which civilization can shape itself into a cooperative balance with nature.

It also serves secondary purposes like inspiring people into science or learning. Ignorance of the few is strength of the many, so encouraging education inspires people to also think for themselves. And of course if it is inspirational, it is also popular and profitable in the media and entertainment.
Ideally, a cosmology should be a working and evolving theory based on our most advanced conceptualizations and understandings that are themselves based exclusively in empirical facts. Not conjecture. Not hypothesis. Not interpretations. Based on how things actually work. I know it is unpopular, but we in science don’t have all the answers. We’re not supposed to. Knowing everything is the job of religion. Our job is understanding.
Quantum Relativity says a lot about cosmology, but the bottom line is the universe is the background within which big bangs happen. It then explains how the fabric of space time, the universe, and big bang processes work. Most importantly, it provides this handy architecture to assemble the physical sciences, and mathematical protocols to make that workable.

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