At CNN: The Problem with the Big Bang Theory

No, not the TV sitcom. The cosmology theory cosmologists love to hate. The story is really about the fact that inflation theory — way Cooler than the Big Bang — was not especially confirmed:

Astronomers used a telescope facility called BICEP-3 (short for Background Imaging of Cosmic Extragalactic Polarization) to study the CMB and its polarization. The telescope’s South Pole location, with its altitude of nearly two miles above sea level and incredibly dry air, is an ideal place to conduct this kind of research. BICEP-3 scientists combined their data with measurements at other facilities and found no indication of B-modes originating from the CMB. If B-modes are present in the CMB, they are very small. So, does that mean that the theory of inflation must be thrown out? No, although the data has disproved some of the simpler theories of inflation, it isn’t sensitive enough to rule out the more complex versions. Still, the failure to observe CMB B-modes is unsettling, causing some scientists to go back to the drawing board.

There are those who are discomfited when a scientific measurement draws into question a theory that is popular among researchers, but they shouldn’t be. The self-correcting nature of science is actually its strongest asset.

Don Lincoln, “The problem with the Big Bang theory” at CNN (November 4, 2021)

Note: “While those people who crave certainty in their life might be unhappy because of the new measurement, it’s important to remember that there are no sacred cows in science, and scientists are always checking and rechecking even their favorite universal models.” – Don Lincoln

Try doubting that humans are responsible for global warming and watch the herd of sacred cows stampede…

Okay, here’s the sitcom:

You may also wish to read: The Big Bang: Put simply,the facts are wrong.

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