|
Search over 100 encyclopedias and dictionaries: |
Research categories | Follow us on Twitter |
Research categories
View all topics in the newsView all reference sources at Encyclopedia.com |
|||
cosmological principle
cosmological principle The proposal that we are in no special place and that the Universe looks much the same to all observers, wherever they are. In technical terms, this means that the Universe must be homogeneous and isotropic. This principle is not strictly true as the Universe is clearly irregular on small scales. There is good evidence, however, that on very large scales the Universe is quite smooth and regular. A consequence of the cosmological principle is that the spacetime geometry of the Universe must be described by the Robertson–Walker metric, which drastically restricts the set of cosmological models compatible with general relativity. See also perfect cosmological principle.
|
|
|
Cite this article
"cosmological principle." A Dictionary of Astronomy. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. 30 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "cosmological principle." A Dictionary of Astronomy. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. (May 30, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O80-cosmologicalprinciple.html "cosmological principle." A Dictionary of Astronomy. 1997. Retrieved May 30, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O80-cosmologicalprinciple.html |
|
perfect cosmological principle
perfect cosmological principle An extension of the cosmological principle which proposes that the Universe is not only the same in all places and in all directions, but also at all times. The principle is the cornerstone of the steady-state theory, but is incompatible with observations that show that the Universe is evolving with time.
|
|
|
Cite this article
"perfect cosmological principle." A Dictionary of Astronomy. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. 30 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "perfect cosmological principle." A Dictionary of Astronomy. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. (May 30, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O80-perfectcosmologicalprncpl.html "perfect cosmological principle." A Dictionary of Astronomy. 1997. Retrieved May 30, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O80-perfectcosmologicalprncpl.html |
|
Search over 100 encyclopedias and dictionaries:
HighBeam™ Research, Inc. © Copyright 2012. All rights reserved.
The Encyclopedia.com advertising network includes:
