Cosmology is the study of the Universe as a whole. A century ago, scientists had only a vague idea about what even the Milky Way galaxy was like, and they were only able to make guesses about the Universe beyond. Most educated people believed that the nature and history of the Universe were simply matters for religious belief. The word “cosmology” referred to the set of beliefs one had about the whole world: Earth, God, Universe, Creation.

1. ▷ The image under the text on this page reminds us that creation myths and cosmologies were central parts of the belief systems of ancient peoples. It is remarkable how many cultures believed in a beginning of time, a moment of creation. The ancient Egyptians had several creation myths. The Hebrew creation story even orders the events in much the same way that modern science would, although on a vastly different time-scale. More than any other branch of physics, the scientific study of cosmology raises religious sensitivities and addresses questions that have long been regarded the domain of philosophy and belief.