What foundational assumption does the standard cosmological model rely upon regarding the largest scales?
Answer
The Cosmological Principle, assuming isotropy and homogeneity.
The standard model used by cosmologists to describe the expansion and evolution of the cosmos is built upon the Cosmological Principle. This principle posits two core requirements for the universe when observed at the largest possible scales: isotropy (looking the same in all directions) and homogeneity (being the same everywhere). This assumption is crucial because it greatly simplifies the complex mathematics required to model cosmic dynamics. The high degree of observed CMB uniformity serves as the strongest empirical support for accepting this principle as accurate for large-scale structure.
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