Arno Penzias and Robert Wilson were radio astronomers who were thrilled when their employer's (Bell Labs) giant antenna, which had been used as part of a satellite transmission system, became available to use for research. There were hoping to use it as a radio telescope; their intent was to measure (and increase the accuracy in measurements of) radio signals within the Milky Way and spaces between galaxies. But, when they tried to use it as a radio telescope, they found background "noise" coming from all directions. They observed that this radiation was a constant signal within the microwave range, and it did not come from a source that made sense to them. They checked everything they could think of to eliminate the excess noise; this was their "practical problem." It was not coming from the city, it wasn't from extraterrestrial sources, and it wasn't from the pigeon droppings they cleaned out of the horn of the antenna. Their observations showed that the radiation remained constant throughout the year, so it didn't come from the solar system, and it didn't dissipate, so it wasn't radiation fallout from an above-ground nuclear test. When they ruled out all of these things, they started asking questions and theorizing to explain it. They started analyzing the temperatures…show more content… Together, they recognized the implications of the evidence-- an example of the role of serendipity in the discovery of the CMB (Cosmic Microwave Background). This was a turning point in the debate about the beginnings of the Universe, and a boost to the theory of the Big Bang. Their story shows the value of the roles of "exploration and discovery" in the scientific process. Observing, questioning, and then sharing led to one of the most important discoveries of the century. This example also points out the importance and need for the scientific
