Causally separated regions in CMB?

In summary, the conversation discusses the idea of causally separate regions in the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) and how this relates to the observable universe and the motivation for superluminal inflation theories. The distance between these regions is at least a couple of degrees of angular separation, which is known as the "horizon problem" and is a major factor driving the development of inflation theories.
  • #1
DuckAmuck
236
40
So I have heard it mentioned that there are causally separate regions in the CMB. For instance a point A and point B that we can see here on earth, but are outside of each other's light cones. My question is then, how far apart are these points A and B at minimum to be causally separate in this way.

Also, is this the motivation behind superluminal inflation theories?
 
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  • #2
Keep in mind the observable universe is the exact same size for all observers at any given instant in time. The size of the observable universe is essentially limited to the distance light has had time to travel since CMB photons were emitted. CMB photons we view today were originally emitted at a distance of 42 million light years from Earth - and any other observer in the universe. That distance has since grown to over 46 billion light years for us, as well as any other observer in the universe. The light from remote regions of the universe have barely had enough time to reach earth, much less the opposite side of the universe currently observable from earth. Inflation is mainly motivated by the fact the CMB is in thermal equilibrium. This is difficult to explain if portions of the CMB were out of causal contact in the early universe.
 
  • #3
A couple of degrees (of angular separation); see pages 10 - 11 of

http://www.damtp.cam.ac.uk/user/db275/Inflation/Lectures.pdf

The is called "the horizon problem", and it is one of the motivations for inflation.
 

Related to Causally separated regions in CMB?

1. What are causally separated regions in CMB?

Causally separated regions in CMB refer to the regions of the cosmic microwave background radiation (CMB) that are not in causal contact with each other. This means that the regions are too far apart for any signal or information to travel between them since the beginning of the universe.

2. Why are causally separated regions in CMB important?

Causally separated regions in CMB provide important clues about the early universe and its evolution. They contain information about the initial conditions and the processes that led to the formation of the universe as we know it today.

3. How are causally separated regions in CMB detected?

Causally separated regions in CMB are detected through observations of the CMB using telescopes and satellites. Scientists analyze the temperature and polarization patterns in the CMB to identify the regions that are not in causal contact.

4. What is the significance of the size of causally separated regions in CMB?

The size of causally separated regions in CMB is significant because it provides a limit to the extent of information that can be exchanged between different regions of the universe. It also helps scientists understand the expansion rate and geometry of the universe.

5. How do causally separated regions in CMB support the Big Bang theory?

Causally separated regions in CMB provide evidence for the Big Bang theory by showing that the universe was once in a hot and dense state where all the matter and energy were concentrated in a single point. The uniformity of the CMB across different regions also supports the idea of a homogeneous and isotropic universe at early times.

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