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COBE: The Cosmic Background Satellite

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Abstract

Much had been learned about the cosmic background radiation, but many problems remained. Did it really have a blackbody spectrum? Was it anisotropic? According to theories of galactic structure, inhomogencities in the early universe were the “seeds” around which galaxies formed. We should be able to see evidence of these inhomogeneities in the cosmic background radiation. Further study of this radiation was obviously needed, and the best way to learn more about it was to study it from a satellite. In the mid-1970s, work had begun on such a project. Launched in 1989 it was called the Cosmic Background Explorer (COBE).

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© 1993 Barry Parker

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Parker, B. (1993). COBE: The Cosmic Background Satellite. In: The Vindication of the Big Bang. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-5980-5_6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-5980-5_6

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-0-306-44469-2

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4899-5980-5

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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