Cosmic Microwave Background (IMAGE)

University of Chicago

Cosmic Microwave Background

Caption

This image displays a portion of the South Pole Telescope survey of the cosmic microwave background (CMB), the radiant light left over from the Big Bang. The variations in the image are minute fluctuations in the intensity of the CMB. The fluctuations are caused by differences in the distribution of matter in the early universe at a time only 400,000 years after the Big Bang. The image is effectively a "baby" picture of the universe.

Credit

South Pole Telescope Collaboration

Usage Restrictions

News organizations may use this image in connection with reports about the research of the South Pole Telescope collaboration.

License

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