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The theory that the universe began from a 'primeval atom' and has been expanding, later known as the Big Bang theory, was first proposed by:
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Answer: Option B — Georges Lemaitre
Detailed Solution
The Belgian physicist, astronomer and Catholic priest Georges Lemaitre (1894 to 1966) first proposed, in 1927 and 1931, that the universe is expanding and that it began from a single, extremely dense "primeval atom" or "cosmic egg".
Lemaitre's contributions:
In 1927, he published a paper showing that Einstein's equations of general relativity allowed an expanding universe. He also linked this expansion to the observed redshift of distant galaxies.
He derived the relationship between the distance of galaxies and their speed of moving away, two years before Edwin Hubble published his observations in 1929.
In 1931, he proposed that the universe began from a "primeval atom" that broke apart, starting the expansion. This is the basic idea of the Big Bang.
Recognition:
- In 2018, the International Astronomical Union recommended that Hubble's law be renamed the Hubble-Lemaitre law, to recognise Lemaitre's role.
- Lemaitre was awarded the first Eddington Medal by the Royal Astronomical Society in 1953.
Einstein's reaction:
- Einstein at first did not accept an expanding universe and had added a "cosmological constant" to his equations to keep the universe static.
- After the evidence for expansion grew, Einstein accepted it and is said to have called the cosmological constant his "biggest blunder".
Origin of the name "Big Bang":
The term was coined by Fred Hoyle in a BBC radio broadcast in 1949. Hoyle supported the rival steady state theory.
Others who developed the theory:
- Alexander Friedmann, a Russian scientist, had found expanding-universe solutions to Einstein's equations in 1922.
- George Gamow, Ralph Alpher and Robert Herman (1940s) worked out how light elements were formed in the early universe and predicted the cosmic background radiation.
Why not the other options?
- ✗Edwin Hubble provided observational evidence for the expansion of the universe in 1929.
- ✗Albert Einstein developed the general theory of relativity.
- ✗Fred Hoyle coined the term "Big Bang" but opposed the theory.
Quick tip
Remember: Big Bang idea ("primeval atom") = Georges Lemaitre (1927, 1931); name "Big Bang" coined by Fred Hoyle (1949); evidence by Hubble (1929).
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Universe & Solar System — Preparation
This question tests your understanding of Universe & Solar System, a key topic in the General Knowledge section. The detailed solution above uses a step-by-step approach to show the reasoning, and where available, a shortcut that helps you solve similar questions in under 90 seconds during the actual exam.
This topic covers the universe, galaxies and stars, the solar system and its planets, dwarf planets, moons, asteroids, comets and meteors, and the Earth's motions, including rotation, revolution, seasons, latitudes, longitudes and time zones. Common questions ask about the largest and smallest planets (Jupiter and Mercury), the hottest planet (Venus), the 'Red Planet' (Mars), and planets with the most moons. Other frequent questions cover solstices and equinoxes, the International Date Line, and Indian Standard Time, which is based on the 82.5 degree E meridian. Practise the universe and solar system questions below, written in the style of the general awareness sections of exams such as SSC, banking, railways, CUET GAT, MAH CET and CLAT. Each question comes with a detailed explanation that adds related facts, so every question helps you revise more than one point.