Cosmology and the Boundaries of the Known Universe

Summary

This article, written by a prominent Soviet physicist, explores the boundaries of modern cosmology. It discusses the expansion of the universe, cosmic microwave background radiation, and the large-scale structure of matter. The author highlights how science has evolved from geocentric models to understanding that the universe is homogeneous and isotropic. The importance of basic research and the challenges of funding scientific projects in a utilitarian economic context are also emphasized.

The text mentions Fridman's theory of universal expansion and its relation to general relativity. It also presents concepts like cosmic inflation, which explains the uniformity of the cosmic microwave background. The article underscores the need to protect and support basic science, as its intellectual and cultural impact extends beyond immediate practicality.