Cosmology

Cosmology is a scientific method of study, observing and understanding the universe, how it works, how it is shaped, and its ultimate fate. Cosmology also includes theories and hypotheses about evolution, fate, predictions, and phenomena.

1. Big Bang Theory: A theoretical model of the universe that begins with the explosion and rapid expansion of a single point with infinite density
2. Ultimate Fate of the Universe: Cosmological concept that theorizes how the universe will end
3. Big Crunch: Theoretical end of the universe where the gravity in the universe draws all matter into a massive black hole
4. Big Freeze: Alternative theoretical end of the universe scenario where expansion has continued to the point of maximum entropy and there is not enough thermodynamic energy for any processes to take place
5. Multiverse: Theorizes that since reality is made up of an infinite number of universes, it is feasible that some will come to an end while others will not

• Physical (study of the largest-scale structures in astronomy without any kind of religious assumptions).

• Metaphysical (concerned with explaining the fundamental nature of being and the world).

• Religious (explains the history and structure of the universe based on religious values).

• Esoteric (a subset of metaphysical cosmology concerned with explaining universal phenomena based on philosophical beliefs).

• MSN Encarta: Inflationary Theory | Big Bang Theory | Steady State Theory

• The Official String Theory Website: Cosmology

• NASA: Big Bang Cosmology

• American Institute of Physics: Big Bang or Steady State?