Cosmic Background Explorer (COBE)

l Universe is a perfect radiator (to 1 part in 10,000)- background temperature of 2.726°K (1990)
l Refined COBE measurements showed differences of 1 part in 100,000 (1992)

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COBE (Cosmic Background Explorer, 1990-1992) - Initial results were reported, which showed that the universe was a perfect radiator, with a background temperature of 2.726°K. There was no variation in measurements to the sensitivity of the instruments (1 part in 10,000). These results confirmed that at the creation of the universe, the temperature was very hot. The universe radiated this heat over the billions of years since its creation to produce such an even temperature. Theories regarding galaxy formation following the Big Bang required that there should be irregularities in the background radiation of 1 part in 100,000. In April, 1992 refined COBE measurements showed irregularities of 1 part in 100,000, exactly what was predicted by the theories. These results were confirmed by balloon-borne experiments in December, 1992, which showed identical temperature variations in the same areas of the universe. These results were the ones that led to the dramatic statements which were quoted at the beginning of this presentation. Not only was the Big Bang theory proven to be correct, but scientists now know what kind of Big Bang it was. The theological implications are inescapable. At some point in the past, the universe was created from what has been called a singularity (or no volume). This event must require the existence of a creator, either natural or supernatural (God).