⏰ when

When was the first precise measurement of the universe’s age from the CMB published?

SpaceCosmology

Quick Answer

A widely cited precise age estimate came from the WMAP mission in 2003. It placed the universe at about 13.7 billion years old.

The Full Story

In 2003, results from NASA’s Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe, or WMAP, gave a much more precise estimate of the universe’s age. The mission’s measurements of the cosmic microwave background indicated an age of about 13.7 billion years, later refined by other observations to about 13.8 billion years. These data also helped pin down the universe’s composition and geometry. WMAP was a milestone in precision cosmology.

Key Facts

1.WMAP results published in 2003
2.Age estimate: about 13.7 billion years
3.Later refined to about 13.8 billion years

YouTube Angle

Suggested video title for this topic:

"How scientists measured the age of the universe so precisely."