How large is the Universe?
The Universe apparently stretches out to an infinite distance. There is however a limit as to how far we can observe the distant objects with our naked eyes or even with instruments.
How did the Universe originate?
It is believed by most astronomers that all the matter and energy was once concentrated at one point and there was then a cataclysmic explosion in which matter and energy were scattered in all directions. The matter later coalesced into galaxies and other celestial objects to from the Universe as existing now.
What is the Big Bang?
The cataclysmic explosion at the time of the birth of the Universe has been nicknamed as the “Big Bang”. The analogy is to a bomb which bursts with a bang and scatters fragments at random.
Is there any observational evidence in support of the Big Bang theory of the origin of the Universe?
According to the Big Bang theory, there must be some very weak background microwave radiation across the Universe as are result of the Big Bang. In 1965, the manifestation of such microwave radiation approaching is from all directions was discovered thereby providing evidence in support of the Big Bang theory.
Is the Universe now expanding, shrinking or steady in volume?
Astronomical observations have inferred that the matter scattered by the Big Bang continuous to fly off in all directions confirming the continuing expansion of the Universe.