1. Cosmology -- the Origin and Structure of the Universe Cosmological Principle – the Universe appears the same from all directions. There is no preferred location. (The physical laws apply to the whole Universe). Is there a preferred time ?

2. The Distance – Redshift Relation (Hubble Law) The Distribution of Matter – Large Scale Structure Implications of the finite velocity of light Consequences of star birth and death

3. Cosmological models -- “world views” How we perceive our Universe and our relation to it Historical models -- geocentric heliocentric galactocentric By mid 20 th century -- 3 models or theories Big Bang -- Father LeMaitre, George Gamow Oscillating Universe Steady State -- Fred Hoyle Early 21 st century – Big Bang cosmology firmly established

4. 3 degree background radiation or cosmic microwave background radiation (CMB) Nobel Prize 1978

5. Subsequent work -- numerous measurements, balloon, satellites COBE WMAP

6. The Big Bang -- the standard model -- 13 – 14 x 10 9 yrs

7. The Early Universe – the Hubble Deep Field (HDF) Deepest exposure with HST 10 consecutive days, 342 exposures, Reaching > 30 th mag

9. Small irregular galaxies - among first objects Glow from first stars ?

10. Other considerations -- the critical density of matter, finite or infinite ? and the shape of space

11. Type Ia supernovae, the accelerating Universe and dark energy Nobel Prize 2011 Saul Perlmutter Brian Schmidt Adam Reiss

13. At the beginning of the 21st century: The Universe began in a superdense state; it is flat, expanding, the expansion is accelerating, it is dominated by dark energy, and will expand forever. What about the future ?