COSMIC INFLATION THEORY

It is a proposed solution to several puzzles in cosmology, particularly those related to the observed large-scale structure of the universe, the cosmic microwave background radiation, and the horizon problem.

The theory proposes that in the first fractions of a second after the Big Bang, the universe underwent an exponential expansion, during which it increased in size by a factor of at least 10^26.

It was first proposed by physicist Alan Guth. The theory proposes that during the inflationary epoch, the universe was dominated by a field called the "inflaton," which had a negative pressure that caused it to expand rapidly. This was driven by the repulsive gravity.

One of the predictions is that the universe should have a very specific pattern of temperature fluctuations in the cosmic microwave background radiation,which is the afterglow of the Big Bang.This has been confirmed by measurements made by several satellites like COBE, WMAP

Another proven prediction is that the universe should be almost completely homogeneous on large scales. This solves the horizon problem, which arises from the fact that different regions of the universe that are separated by large distances appear to have the same properties.

Cosmic inflation theory is currently the leading explanation for the observed large-scale structure of the universe and is widely accepted by cosmologists.