2. The Big Bang Model is a broadly accepted theory for the origin and evolution of our universe. http://www.mssl.ucl.ac.uk/www_astro/guides/bubble_anim.gif

3. The first key idea dates to 1916 when Einstein developed his General Theory of Relativity which he proposed as a new theory of gravity. http://map.gsfc.nasa.gov/universe/bb_theory.html

4. The existence of the CMB radiation was first predicted by George Gamow in 1948, and by Ralph Alpher and Robert Herman in 1950. http://map.gsfc.nasa.gov/media/ContentMedia/990045b.jpg

5. The Inflation Theory proposes a period of extremely rapid (exponential) expansion of the universe during its first few moments.

6. While the Big Bang theory successfully explains the "blackbody spectrum" of the cosmic microwave background radiation and the origin of the light elements, it has three significant problems: Flatness Problem Horizon Problem Monopole Problem While the Big Bang theory successfully explains the "blackbody spectrum" of the cosmic microwave background radiation and the origin of the light elements, it has three significant problems: Flatness Problem Horizon Problem Monopole Problem http://www.mactonnies.com/galacticspiral.jpg