The Accidental Discovery, How Radio Waves Unveiled the Universe's Beginnings

The video narrates the story of radio astronomers Robert Wilson and Arno Penzias, who discovered the cosmic microwave background radiation, providing evidence for the Big Bang theory. Using the horn reflector antenna at Bell Labs, they detected unexpected signals, initially thought to be interference. After consulting with Princeton researchers, they realized they had found the elusive radiation. Their findings led to a paradigm shift in cosmology and earned them the 1978 Nobel Prize in Physics.

What was the initial reaction of Wilson and Penzias to the unexpected signals they detected?

• They ignored the signals as irrelevant.

• They suspected a malfunction in their equipment.

• They assumed it was a natural phenomenon.

• They celebrated the discovery immediately.

Who did Wilson and Penzias contact for assistance in understanding the signals they detected?

• Researchers at MIT

• Scientists at NASA

• Researchers at Princeton University

• Engineers at Bell Labs

What did the unexpected signals detected by Wilson and Penzias turn out to be?

• Reflections from the moon

• Signals from extraterrestrial life

• Cosmic microwave background radiation

• Interference from nearby cities

What was the significance of the discovery made by Wilson and Penzias?

• It confirmed the existence of black holes.

• It led to the discovery of new planets.

• It provided evidence for the Big Bang theory.

• It disproved the theory of relativity.

How did Robert Wilson feel about winning the Nobel Prize?

• He felt it was long overdue.

• He was indifferent to the recognition.

• He was uncomfortable being compared to Einstein.

• He believed it was a mistake.