Cosmology

Cosmology is the study of the structure and evolution of the universe.

Ancient and medieval cosmologists were common, usually oriented around a world view of a stationary, flat earth as the center of the universe. Aristarchus understood that the earth was spherical and circled the sun. With the increasing sophistication of observing techniques and equipment, a more modern understanding of the universe emerged.

Modern cosmological theories take into account Einstein's Theory of Relativity and the recession of galaxies shown by Red Shift. Today the Big Bang theory is the theory that receives the most notice in scientific circles, but the Steady State theory is still advocated as well. Theological issues often play a role in questions of the past of the universe and how it came into being. Whether God is in the equation of not severly changes the possibilities.

See Also

• Brahe
• Copernicus
• Galileo
• Kepler
• Newton

Sources

The New American Desk Encyclopedia, Penguin Group, 1989