Cosmologists

Cosmologists are scientists who study cosmology, the science of the origin, structure, and evolution of the universe. They seek to describe the universe as a whole, from its earliest moments to its fate, using the laws of physics and astronomical observations.

The field includes observational cosmologists who analyze data from telescopes and surveys, theoretical cosmologists who develop models, and computational cosmologists who run large-scale simulations. Key sources of information include the cosmic microwave background, the distribution of galaxies and clusters, distant supernovae, gravitational lensing, and baryon acoustic oscillations.

The standard framework is the Lambda-CDM model based on general relativity, with components including ordinary matter, dark matter, and dark energy. Equations like Friedmann equations guide predictions of expansion history, structure formation, and age of the universe. Ongoing work tests and refines these models, and explores phenomena such as inflation, dark matter properties, and dark energy.

Cosmologists typically hold advanced degrees in physics or astronomy, and work in universities, research institutes, or national laboratories. They collaborate in large international teams, especially on space missions and ground-based surveys (for example Planck, WMAP, DES, SDSS, LSST).

Historically, cosmology has evolved from ideas of an expanding universe proposed by Hubble and Lemaître to precision measurements of the CMB and cosmic expansion. Modern cosmology continues to probe unresolved questions, including the exact value of the Hubble constant and the nature of dark energy and dark matter.