Discovery · 1965 CE
The Cosmic Microwave Background
History of Astronomy
Overview
Penzias and Wilson detected a faint microwave glow coming uniformly from every direction — the cooled afterglow of the hot early universe.
Why it matters
The decisive evidence for the Big Bang and a cornerstone of modern cosmology.
Credit
Bearing on theory
Knowledge connections
- Discovered byArno Penzias
- Discovered byRobert Wilson
- Part ofSpace Age Astronomy
- ConfirmedThe Big Bang
- Related toThe Big Bang
- Related toRecombination
- Related toThe Cosmic Microwave Background
Sources & references
The primary and reference sources this topic draws on.
- The Nobel PrizeThe Nobel Foundation
Official record of Nobel laureates, prize motivations, and award years.
- NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration
Mission data, planetary science, space telescopes, and public-domain imagery.
Most NASA-produced imagery is in the public domain; individual items are checked for usage terms before publication.