Name two predictions of the standard Big Bang theory that have been verified by observations.

The Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) radiation is a cornerstone piece of evidence for the Big Bang theory. It is the faint glow of radiation that fills the universe, coming from all directions. This radiation is a remnant from an early hot and dense phase in the universe's history, approximately 380,000 years after the Big Bang.
Discovered in 1965 by Arno Penzias and Robert Wilson, the CMB strongly supports the Big Bang theory. They found that this radiation matches the temperature and distribution across the sky exactly as predicted.
What makes the CMB especially important is its uniformity and spectrum. It has a blackbody spectrum peaking at a temperature of about 2.7 Kelvin, which corresponds to the redshifted glow of the universe's hot beginnings.

Key points about CMB:

• It confirms the universe was once hot and dense.
• It has a very uniform temperature.
• Small fluctuations in the CMB provide insight into the formation of structures like galaxies.

The abundance of light elements is another major prediction of the Big Bang theory that has been confirmed. According to this theory, the universe's initial moments were so hot that nuclear reactions occurred, leading to the formation of light elements like hydrogen, helium, and traces of lithium and beryllium.
The theory predicts specific ratios of these elements based on the conditions in the early universe. Measurements of the universe have shown these predicted ratios are correct.
For example, about 75% of the normal matter in the universe is hydrogen and about 25% is helium. These ratios have been observed in distant galaxies and ancient stars, aligning perfectly with Big Bang predictions.

Why this matters:

• It helps confirm the timing and nature of the early universe.
• These ratios are crucial for understanding stellar evolution and nucleosynthesis.
• The correct prediction of these abundances supports the Big Bang model over other theories.

The Big Bang theory provides a comprehensive explanation of universe formation, starting from an incredibly hot and dense state and expanding over time. This process began around 13.8 billion years ago and has been shaping the cosmos we know today.
The theory also explains how initial small fluctuations in this hot, dense state grew into the galaxies, stars, and other structures we observe now.
As the universe expanded, it cooled, allowing particles to form and eventually coalesce into atoms. This led to the formation of the first hydrogen and helium atoms. Over hundreds of millions of years, these atoms clumped together to form stars and galaxies.
Key stages in universe formation:

• Big Bang: The universe begins from a singularity.
• Inflationary Epoch: Rapid exponential expansion smooths out the universe.
• Recombination: Electrons combine with protons and neutrons to form atoms, leading to CMB radiation.
• Galaxy Formation: Gravity pulls matter into structures forming galaxies, stars, and planets.

This framework of universe formation not only matches our current observations but also allows us to predict future cosmic events and understand the universe's ultimate fate.