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Super-Sensors To Sense Big Bang Output

New super-sensitive microwave detectors from the National Institute of Standards and Technology may soon tackle the question of what happened immediately following the big bang. "The new experiment will begin approximately a year from now on the Chilean desert and will consist of placing a large array of powerful NIST sensors on a telescope mounted in a converted shipping container. The detectors will look for subtle fingerprints in the CMB [cosmic microwave background] from primordial gravitational waves — ripples in the fabric of space-time from the violent birth of the universe more than 13 billion years ago. Such waves are believed to have left a faint but unique imprint on the direction of the CMB's electric field, called the 'B-mode polarization.' These waves — never before confirmed through measurements — are potentially detectable today, if sensitive enough equipment is used."

3 of 50 comments (clear)

  1. What *really* happened after the "Big Bang" by Moryath · · Score: 5, Funny

    Well, they lay around in bed, smoked a few cigarettes, and then the next morning... at least, that's according to Eccentrica Gallumbits.

    Sadly, Zaphod is only number 2, having merely been described as the best bang since the big one.

  2. I know what's after the big bang theory... by Chees0rz · · Score: 5, Funny

    How I met your Mother, duh

  3. What happened immediately after the big bang..... by EvilToiletPaper · · Score: 5, Funny

    ... everyone covered their ears!