What Caused the Dark Age After the Big Bang?

Explore the phenomenon of the dark age following the Big Bang and its significance in cosmic evolution.

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The dark age after the Big Bang refers to the period when the universe was still forming and cooling down, and light had not yet emerged. Initially, the universe was filled with a hot, dense matter known as plasma. As it expanded, it cooled, leading to the formation of neutral hydrogen atoms. This lasted until the formation of the first stars, which re-ionized the hydrogen and illuminated the universe, ending the dark age. Understanding this helps us appreciate cosmic evolution.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What is the dark age in cosmic history? The dark age refers to the period after the Big Bang when the universe was still forming, and no light had emerged yet.
  2. How did the first stars end the dark age? The first stars re-ionized the hydrogen gas in the universe, emitting light and marking the end of the dark age.
  3. Why is the dark age important for understanding the universe? Studying the dark age helps us appreciate the early stages of cosmic evolution and the conditions that led to the formation of stars and galaxies.
  4. What is re-ionization in cosmology? Re-ionization is the process by which the first stars emitted enough energy to ionize neutral hydrogen, allowing light to travel freely through the universe.