Universe Cycle: Bridge Astronomy Vocabulary

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers key terminology from the Universe Cycle and the Big Bang Theory, as presented in the lecture notes.

The universe

Everything that exists.

Static

When an object stands still or forces are balanced.

Expanding

When something is stretched out.

Contracting

A phase in the cosmos where the expansion slows, stops, and eventually goes into reverse.

Cosmic

Relating to the whole universe or outer space.

Cosmological

The study of the universe.

A background

The faint, universal glow or diffuse light that fills the night sky, coming from behind or between the specific celestial objects you are trying to observe.

Some evidence

Proof of something.

The Big Bang

The scientific theory that describes how the universe began.

A theory

A well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world, based on a body of facts that have been repeatedly confirmed through observation and experimentation.

An analogy

A comparison between two different things to explain a complex idea by highlighting their similarities.