Quote:
Originally Posted by xelasnave
One question I would like help with is if GR was developed, I think but am unsure, when it was thought the Universe was static but it happily described an expanding Universe
I do respect our priest it's good that you stood up for him.
|
Not only was the Static model of the Universe the major cosmological paradigm at the time of Einstein's GR theory, Einstein had to input that famous parameter (cosmological constant,
Λ) into his GR tensor equations so that the Universe wouldn't expand itself to Smitherenes but rather behave like a static entity. (Einstein's biggest blunder as it turned out)
With the relatively recent discovery that the Universe is not only expanding but the expansion rate is accelerating, (attributed to the mysterious dark Energy repulsion force) that cosmological constant,
Λ has made a big come back into Physics and cosmology.
It appears that Einstein himself didn't quite appreciate the ramifications of his Special and General Relativity theories. Einstein initially refused to accept the work of Friedman, Hubble and even fought against the stochastic nature of Quantum mechanics. I recall reading that Einstein had to meet with Edwin Hubble to discuss his red shift measurements and by the time he left, he was convinced that the Universe was indeed expanding.
Cosmology is a fantastic area of Science/Philosophy/mathematics to be involved with professionally, or even as an amateur - there is certainly something deep involved. Its like chasing God around, if you believe in God, trying to corner her and tell her "I know what you did, great work". Or if you are an atheist, there is the equally important search for meaning and understanding.
