The Sound of the Big Bang

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Planck_CMB_orig

About 10 years ago, when the WMAP data on the cosmic microwave background (CMB) became available, I did a Mathematica calculation to produce “the sound of the Big Bang”.

I have decided to do the same thing with the new data from the ESA’s Planck Mission analysis of the CMB, which analyzes the temperature variations of the cosmic microwave background into angular frequency components or multipoles. The new frequency spectrum goes to much higher frequencies than did the WMAP analysis, and therefore offers a more “high-fidelity” rendition of the Sound of the Big Bang.

Planck_power_spectrum_orig

BBSnd100.wav (sound duration 100 seconds)

Via University of Washington for a full description of how the audio conversion was constructed.

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I design video games for a living, write fiction, political theory and poetry for personal amusement, and train regularly in Western European 16th century swordwork. On frequent occasion I have been known to hunt for and explore abandoned graveyards, train tunnels and other interesting places wherever I may find them, but there is absolutely no truth to the rumor that I am preparing to set off a zombie apocalypse. Nothing that will stand up in court, at least. I use paranthesis with distressing frequency, have a deep passion for history, anthropology and sociological theory, and really, really, really hate mayonnaise. But I wash my hands after the writing. Promise.

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