The Observational Cosmology Laboratory conducts research to improve understanding of the origin, evolution and ultimate fate of the universe. Specific issues under investigation include what powered the Big Bang; the size, shape, and matter-energy content of the universe; when the first stars and galaxies appeared and their evolution over cosmic time; and the nature of the mysterious dark energy that is driving the universe apart.


A comparison of all-sky image of temperature fluctuations in the early universe with COBE (upper image) and the WMAP (lower image). Science operations for WMAP are conducted in the ASD (Bennett, PI)