Microwave background radiation as a probe of the contemporary structure and history of the universe
Abstract
A theoretical basis is outlined for analyzing observed distortions of the microwave background spectrum in order to use such distortions as a probe of density perturbations in the early universe and to investigate the hot intergalactic gas bound in clusters of galaxies. Distortions of the microwave spectrum are examined, with attention given to an idealized hot big bang model, energy release in the early universe, and energy release in the later universe. Some observed effects of the Compton scattering of relict photons by free electrons in the hot intergalactic gas in clusters of galaxies are described.
- Publication:
-
Annual Review of Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Pub Date:
- 1980
- DOI:
- 10.1146/annurev.aa.18.090180.002541
- Bibcode:
- 1980ARA&A..18..537S
- Keywords:
-
- Background Radiation;
- Cosmology;
- Microwaves;
- Relic Radiation;
- Universe;
- Big Bang Cosmology;
- Compton Effect;
- Cosmic Gases;
- Energy Transfer;
- Galactic Clusters;
- Intergalactic Media;
- Microwave Spectra;
- Astrophysics