Cosmology

Definition

Cosmology is the scientific study of the origin, evolution, and eventual fate of the universe. It encompasses the largest scales of space and time, exploring phenomena such as the Big Bang, cosmic inflation, and dark matter.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ancient cosmologies often involved mythological explanations for the creation and structure of the universe.
2. The geocentric model, which places Earth at the center of the universe, was a dominant ancient cosmological view until it was challenged by heliocentric theories.
3. Ancient astronomers like Ptolemy contributed significantly to early cosmological models with his Almagest.
4. Cosmology in ancient civilizations often intertwined with their calendars and religious beliefs.
5. The shift from mythical to observational cosmologies began with early Greek philosophers who proposed natural explanations for cosmic phenomena.

Review Questions

• What is cosmology and what does it study?
• How did ancient civilizations typically explain cosmological phenomena?
• Who was Ptolemy and what was his contribution to early cosmology?

Related terms

Geocentric Model:

An ancient model of the universe that places Earth at its center.

Heliocentric Model:

A model of the universe that positions the Sun at its center, first proposed by Copernicus.

Ptolemaic System: An ancient cosmological model developed by Ptolemy that describes planetary motions using epicycles within a geocentric framework.