cosmic background radiation


noun Astronomy.

electromagnetic radiation coming from every direction in the universe, considered the remnant of the big bang and corresponding to the black-body radiation of 3 K, the temperature to which the universe has cooled.
Also called cosmic microwave background.

Words nearby cosmic background radiation

Scientific definitions for cosmic microwave background

cosmic background radiation

Weak radio-frequency radiation traveling through outer space with equal intensity in every direction. It is thought to be residual radiation from a period shortly following the big bang, when the universe was very hot. Also called microwave background

Cultural definitions for cosmic microwave background

cosmic microwave background

The microwave radiation that arrives at the Earth from every direction in space. The detection of this radiation played an important role in acceptance of the Big Bang theory.

notes for cosmic microwave background

This radiation is sometimes referred to as the “echo” of the Big Bang.