The Cosmic Microwave Background
and
the Shape of the Universe

by
Dr. Claude Bernard,
Department of Physics,
Washington University


Most astronomers believe that our universe began with a violent explosion, nicknamed the Big Bang. One of the strongest indications that this theory is true comes from the detection of very faint radio wave emission from all parts of the cosmos. Such radio signals, remarkably uniform as viewed from any direction, are thought to be the remnant radiation from the origin of the universe - an echo of the Big Bang itself. These radio signals make up the cosmic microwave background. Dr. Bernard will explain how these microwaves are linked to the Big Bang, and how the study of these ancient radio signals may reveal the structure and shape of the universe of today.

Dr .Claude Bernard is a Professor of Physics at Washington University. His research interests lie in the areas of particle physics and computational physics.