The Big Bang Theory Small variations in the
density of the universe Expansion of the
The rate of
The development of the universe allows gravity to cause universe
the gases to clump
inflation slows and (best guesses based on current evidence, appears to be
the universe is a much simplified and nothing is to scale) together into huge
clouds which will form accelerating
seething mass of
Still too hot for atoms galaxies within which
fundamental
to form the universe smaller clumps will form
particles such as
is a superhot fog. the first stars
quarks and
electrons
The beginning
of time, space,
the universe
and everything
0 10-40s 10 -30s 1s 3 mins 500,000 1.5 billion 13.7 billion
years years years
The new universe
experiences
superfast inflation With rapid
from the size of a cooling, but still Electrons combine
nucleus to the size of very, very hot, with protons and
a grapefruit in a tiny the quarks can neutrons to form The first huge stars die in
fraction of a second. join to form atoms (almost all supernovae exploding heavy
protons and hydrogen and elements into the clouds nearby. The
neutrons helium) shock waves and the heavy
elements kick start the formation of
The lines between these periods were not sharp; they merged into one another
new stars and solar systems.
