Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation - Bridging the Glimmer between Science Fiction and Reality

The science fiction masterpiece The Three-Body Problem once described, “The entire universe will flicker for you.” This “flicker” does not refer to the universe visibly flickering to the naked eye, but rather the flickering of the cosmic microwave background radiation (CMBR). CMBR plays a crucial role in modern cosmology, particularly in the study of the Big Bang theory and the early universe. But what exactly is the cosmic microwave background? How important is it for humanity’s understanding of the universe? Two speakers from the Wuhan University Astronomy Association (WHUAA) will guide the audience to uncover the mysteries of the cosmic microwave background radiation. They will provide an in-depth introduction to its discovery, origin, characteristics, cutting-edge research, and significance. From the perspective of future applications, such as interstellar travel, they will emphasize its unique role as the light that bridges the gap between the starry sky of science fiction and the realities of Earth. The Wuhan University Astronomy Association, abbreviated as WHUAA, is an academic organization founded in 2013. United by a shared love for the starry sky, it is dedicated to popularizing astronomy and serving as a guide under the stars. It is not only the home base for astronomy enthusiasts at Wuhan University but also a platform for like-minded individuals from different regions and schools to build friendships.

May 5, 2023 7:00 PM — 8:30 PM