Portal:Physics/Selected picture/September 2010

This is an artist's concept of the Universe's expansion known as inflation. In this image space is represented at each time by the circular sections. This includes hypothetical, and non-observable portions of the Universe. Note on the left the dramatic expansion (not to scale) occurring in the inflationary epoch. At the center is the accelerated expansion. The scheme is decorated with WMAP images on the left, and with the representation of stars at the appropriate level of development.