The Big Bang
10-43 seconds
The universe begins with a cataclysm that generates space, time, and all the matter and energy that the universe will ever hold. For a fraction of a second, the universe is an infinitely dense hot fireball and it is theorised that this odd energy pushed out the fabric of space in a process called Inflation that causes a vast expanse of space to be filled with this energy. This period is only stopped when the energy is transformed into both matter and energy as we know it.
10-43 seconds
The universe begins with a cataclysm that generates space, time, and all the matter and energy that the universe will ever hold. For a fraction of a second, the universe is an infinitely dense hot fireball and it is theorised that this odd energy pushed out the fabric of space in a process called Inflation that causes a vast expanse of space to be filled with this energy. This period is only stopped when the energy is transformed into both matter and energy as we know it.
The Universe Takes Shape
10-6 seconds
The universe continues to expand after inflation, but not as quickly as it cools and loses density. Gravity, the force that holds a nuclei of atoms together and electromagnetic forces are introduced. In a second the universe contains fundamental particles and energy including quarks, electrons and photons which form protons and neutrons by smashing together.
10-6 seconds
The universe continues to expand after inflation, but not as quickly as it cools and loses density. Gravity, the force that holds a nuclei of atoms together and electromagnetic forces are introduced. In a second the universe contains fundamental particles and energy including quarks, electrons and photons which form protons and neutrons by smashing together.
Formation of Basic Elements
3 seconds
Hydrogen, helium and lithium along with other simple elements are formed as the protons and neutrons come together, however it takes another 300,000 years for electrons to be captured into orbits and form stable atoms.
3 seconds
Hydrogen, helium and lithium along with other simple elements are formed as the protons and neutrons come together, however it takes another 300,000 years for electrons to be captured into orbits and form stable atoms.
The Radiation Era
10,000 years
Different wavelengths of light, X rays, radio waves and ultraviolet rays are present. This era is one in which the majority of energy is in the form of radiation.
10,000 years
Different wavelengths of light, X rays, radio waves and ultraviolet rays are present. This era is one in which the majority of energy is in the form of radiation.
Beginning the Era of Matter Domination
300,000 years
The energy in matter and the energy in radiation are equal but as the expansion continues the light waves are stretched which results in lowering the energy whereas the matter is largely unaffected. At this time, neutral atoms are formed as electrons link with hydrogen and helium nuclei resulting in microwave background radiation.
300,000 years
The energy in matter and the energy in radiation are equal but as the expansion continues the light waves are stretched which results in lowering the energy whereas the matter is largely unaffected. At this time, neutral atoms are formed as electrons link with hydrogen and helium nuclei resulting in microwave background radiation.
Birth of Stars and Galaxies
300 million years
(12 to 15 billion years before the present)
Pockets of gas become increasingly dense throughout the universe expansion. Stars begin to ignite within these pockets, and groups of stars are known as the earliest galaxies.
300 million years
(12 to 15 billion years before the present)
Pockets of gas become increasingly dense throughout the universe expansion. Stars begin to ignite within these pockets, and groups of stars are known as the earliest galaxies.