Why Is It Not Possible to Look All the Way $\gt$

question 76

Multiple Choice

Why is it not possible to look all the way back to the Big Bang itself?

• A) Photons are not produced until the stars begin to shine at a redshift of z 20.
• B) From redshifts of z=0 to 100, photons are gravitationally lensed by the dark matter in the universe.
• C) At redshifts of z \(\gt\)1,000, most of the photons are blocked by large amounts of cold gas and dust.
• D) For redshifts of z \(\gt\)1,000, photons cannot travel freely because they easily interact with individual protons and electrons in the universe.
• E) Photons from the Big Bang would be so strongly redshifted that we could never detect them.

---

Definitions:

Experimentation

The methodical testing of theories or hypotheses by manipulating variables to observe their effects.

Scientific Attitude

A mindset characterized by curiosity, skepticism, and openness to evidence and reasoning, rather than by belief or intuition.

Skepticism

An attitude of doubt or a disposition to incredulity either in general or toward a particular object; questioning the validity of a particular claim, theory, or belief.

Pride

A feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one's own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired.